If it fits down the drain, then it should be okay to pour it out, right? Well, that's seldom the case. According to the team at Joe Klosterman Plumbing in Cincinnati, OH, the main culprits of residential plumbing problems are actually items homeowners put down the drain or garbage disposal themselves. Below, the plumbers share the top five items attributed to clogs and why you should keep them away from your sink.

5 Items to Avoid Pouring Down the Drain

1. Grease

For decades, grease has been a top offender of plumbing blockages. Animal-based grease, along with plant variations like coconut oil, are solid at room temperature, so they're more likely to clump up and create a clog in the elbows of pipes. Other options, like olive oil, stay in their liquid form but stick to the sides and catch passing food particles. The best way to avoid a grease-related clog is to remove as much oil from your cooking ware as possible before placing them in the sink or dishwasher.

2. Cat Litter

Many cat litter manufacturers market their product as being safe to dispose of in the toilet. However, according to seasoned plumbers, cat litter should never go down the drain. Most litter styles are composed of clay-based rocks, which are designed to soak up moisture. When the material makes its way through your plumbing system, it creates solid clumps of clay that can reduce or completely block the flow of waste.

3. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are also a plumbing nemesis because they clump up in a similar style to cat litter. Yet, just because they shouldn't go down the sink doesn't mean you have to throw them away. Instead, utilize them to prevent pests, like slugs, from infiltrating gardens by sprinkling the used grounds around plants.

4. Paint

Paint is thick and sticky, making it the perfect material to stick to pipes and create blockages. Not only is paint dangerous for your plumbing system, but it's also hazardous to the environment. Instead of pouring excess paint down the drain, plumbers recommend taking it to a local hazardous waste disposal facility. 

5. Flour

Flour is another substance plumbers warn homeowners about because of it's clogging power. As the primary ingredient of dough, mixing flour with water or other liquid waste that goes down the drain creates a thick, sticky paste. It often adheres to the sides of pipes and catches particles as they pass by to form an impenetrable blockage.

Choosing the right disposal method for common household items can help avoid clogged pipes and messy backups. If you do find yourself battling a plumbing blockage, turn to the skilled plumbers at Joe Klosterman Plumbing. Since 1983, the plumbing company has provided reliable, affordable, and efficient services to homes and businesses throughout the Tri-State area. Schedule your appointment today by calling (513) 941-6766, or learn more about their services on their website.