If you find yourself cleaning up after a meal or a project, you might be tempted to pour any leftover liquids down the drain. You need to keep in mind that pouring certain materials down your drain may actually damage your plumbing system and the environment. Harmful chemicals, can really wreak havoc on your pipes and wastewater treatment, leading to costly repairs for you and various challenges for the water treatment facility. So, how does wastewater treatment work, and what can you do to avoid adding harmful chemicals to the wastewater in your local area? How about we dive into these questions and come up with the top 5 things you should never pour down the drain?
Why Care About Wastewater?
Wastewater is any water that has been used and is now contaminated. This can include water from your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, washing machine, and even the water that goes down the drain when you shower. Wastewater treatment involves cleaning this water so that it can be reused or returned to the environment.
Wastewater treatment is necessary because it protects our drinking water, ensures our rivers and lakes stay clean, and protects the environment from harmful pollutants. Putting harmful substances down the drain can lead to pollution and negatively impact our water resources.
5 Things You Should Never Pour Down the Drain
The top 5 things you should never pour down your drain are:
- Grease and cooking oil. Grease and cooking oil can solidify in your pipes, leading to clogs that block water flow. They can also build up inside your pipes, eventually leading to leaks and an unhappy property manager. The best way to dispose of grease and cooking oil is to pour it into a heat-resistant container and throw it in the trash.
- Paint. Paint can contain harmful chemicals that can be harmful to our water and the environment. It can also clog your pipes, which could result in expensive repairs. If you have leftover paint, reach out to your local waste management office to learn the best way to dispose of it safely.
- Household cleaners. Many household cleaners have powerful chemicals that might damage your plumbing system and the environment. Once you’re done using a household cleaner, just put any leftover liquid into a container and toss it in the wastebasket.
- Medication. Medication can pollute the water and harm aquatic life. If it’s not disposed of properly, it might find its way into our drinking water. The fastest way to eliminate medication is by bringing it to a local pharmacy for safe disposal.
- Car fluids. Car fluids may contain poisonous substances that can affect our water and the environment. They can also damage your car if they leak into the engine or other parts of the vehicle. If you need to dispose of car fluids, a great option is to bring them to a local garage or auto parts store for disposal.
Following these straightforward suggestions can help protect your plumbing system and the environment. Just a friendly reminder: if you’re unsure, it’s best to toss it out!
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