When a drain clogs in your Auburn home, it’s tempting to take matters into your own hands. But while some DIY drain cleaning methods are safe, many homeowners unknowingly make things worse by flushing the wrong items down their toilets or sinks. Let’s talk about what should never go down your drains—and why it matters for your plumbing system and the environment.
🛠️ Need professional drain cleaning in Auburn, WA? Einstein Pros Auburn is here to help.
🚿 Why DIY Drain Cleaning Can Backfire
While baking soda, vinegar, and a plunger can work in some cases, flushing or pouring the wrong substances can cause:
- Severe blockages deep in your plumbing
- Damage to pipes and septic systems
- Contamination of local water supplies
- Expensive repairs later down the line
That’s why prevention is key.
❌ What You Should Never Flush or Pour Down the Drain
Here are the top culprits to never send down your toilet, sink, or shower drain—even if they seem harmless at first.
1. Flushable Wipes (Even If They Say “Flushable”)
Many products labeled as “flushable” don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead, they cause major clogs in your pipes and contribute to sewer overflows.
2. Grease, Oils & Fats
These solidify when cooled and stick to pipe walls, creating “fatbergs” that can block entire sewer lines.
3. Coffee Grounds
They clump together in water and don’t break down easily, making them a big cause of kitchen sink clogs.
Better option: Compost them!
4. Hair
Hair binds with grease and other waste to form stringy, sticky masses that slow down your drains.
Tip: Use a hair catcher in your shower or tub.
5. Eggshells and Pasta
Eggshells may look harmless, but their sharp edges catch on pipes and accumulate debris. Pasta expands with water and becomes gluey, easily forming blockages.
6. Paint, Solvents, or Harsh Chemicals
Toxic substances like paint thinner or bleach damage your pipes and are harmful to Auburn’s water treatment infrastructure.
Source: Washington State Department of Ecology – Hazardous Waste Disposal
7. Cat Litter
Even “flushable” cat litter doesn’t dissolve easily and may introduce harmful parasites into the water system.
8. Dental Floss, Cotton Balls & Paper Towels
These items don’t break down in water and act like nets, trapping other debris and leading to serious blockages.
🌊 Auburn-Specific Drain Concerns
Because Auburn experiences seasonal rains and fluctuating ground moisture, plumbing systems can already be under stress. Introducing materials that don’t belong can result in backups or flooding, especially in older homes.
Stay safe—know what’s safe to flush and what’s not.
🧠 Smart DIY Practices (That Are Actually Safe)
If your drain is running slow, try this before calling a professional:
- Use a plunger or plastic drain snake
- Flush with a mixture of hot water + vinegar + baking soda
- Install screens or mesh guards on your drains
But if those don’t work, don’t push your luck.
🧰 When to Call the Pros
If your sink gurgles, drains slowly, or smells foul—your plumbing may be warning you of a bigger issue.
🔧 Einstein Pros Auburn provides fast, reliable drain cleaning and inspections. We’ll ensure your pipes are clean, clear, and built to last.
✅ Final Tips: Think Before You Flush
Auburn homeowners can save money and avoid headaches by remembering this simple rule:
“If it’s not pee, poo, or toilet paper—it doesn’t go down the toilet.”
For everything else, toss it in the trash or compost bin. And when in doubt, let the pros handle it.
Need help with a stubborn clog in Auburn, WA?
🔧 Schedule drain service with Einstein Pros Auburn today.