When it comes to cleaning up after a meal or a project, the initial instinct might be to dispose of any leftover liquids down the drain. However, pouring certain materials down your drain can significantly damage your plumbing system and the environment. Harmful chemicals can greatly wreak havoc on your pipes and wastewater treatment, triggering costly repairs for you and numerous challenges for the water treatment facility. So, how does wastewater treatment operate, and what measures can you take to avoid adding harmful chemicals to the wastewater in the area where you live? We will examine these inquiries and outline 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 encompasses water from your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, washing machine, and even the water that goes down the drain when you shower. Wastewater treatment refers to cleaning this water so that it can be reused or returned to the environment.
Wastewater treatment is essential as it protects our drinking water, retains the quality of our rivers and lakes, and protects the environment from harmful pollutants. Disposing of harmful substances down the drain directly results in environmental damage and the degradation of 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 set in your pipes, triggering clogs that block water flow. Accumulation in your pipes can occur, ultimately leading to leaks and an unsatisfied property manager. To properly dispose of grease and cooking oil, it is advisable to transfer it into a heat-resistant container and dispose of it in the trash.
- Paint. Paint can contain harmful chemicals that can contaminate water sources and adversely affect the environment. It can also clog your pipes, which causes costly fixes. For any leftover paint, please contact your local waste management office to inquire about the appropriate disposal methods.
- Household cleaners. Household cleaners often contain harmful chemicals that can damage your plumbing system and the environment. When you’re finished with a household cleaner, pour any leftover liquid into a container and throw it in the trash.
- Medication. Medication can pollute the water and harm aquatic life. If it’s not disposed of properly, it can also end up in our drinking water. The best way to get rid of medication is to take it to a local pharmacy for disposal.
- Car fluids. Car fluids can consist of hazardous substances that can contaminate water sources and negatively impact the environment. Leaking substances can potentially damage your car by infiltrating the engine or other critical components. The effective way to dispose of car fluids is to deliver them to a local garage or auto parts store for disposal.
Applying these straightforward strategies can help protect your plumbing system and the environment. When uncertain, it is advisable to discard it.
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