When your sink starts draining slow or strange odors rise from the pipes, chances are something went down the drain that shouldn’t have. At Ultra Plumbing, we’ve seen it all—from grease-clogged kitchens to bathroom pipes backed up with mystery gunk. The truth is, your drains aren’t a catch-all. Misusing them can lead to blockages, backups, and costly damage.
If you’re in Livonia, Michigan or the surrounding areas, don’t wait for a plumbing disaster. Call Ultra Plumbing at (734) 968-0882.
Below, we break down the top ten things you should never send swirling into your plumbing. Think of it as a friendly warning from your local experts.
🚫 Top 10 Things You Should Never Put Down the Drain
1. Grease and Cooking Oil
Grease may go down hot and smooth, but as it cools, it thickens and clings to the inside of your pipes. Over time, it builds up and creates stubborn blockages.
2. Coffee Grounds
They may seem harmless, but coffee grounds clump together and form a sludge that resists water flow. They’re better off in the trash or compost.
3. Eggshells
Those sharp little pieces can catch on other debris in your drain, causing build-up and clogs. Plus, the membrane inside shells sticks to pipes.
4. Flour
When flour meets water, it forms a sticky paste. That paste coats your pipes and traps other waste—bad news for any drain system.
5. Medication
Pills and syrups should never go down the drain. They don’t break down properly and can harm the local water supply. Take them to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
6. Paint or Solvents
Even “washable” paint can coat pipes and wreak havoc on your plumbing. Solvents are also hazardous to the environment and should never enter the water system.
7. Hair
Hair is a top culprit in bathroom clogs. It tangles up with soap and other debris to form solid, gunky blockages.
8. Paper Towels and Wipes
Even “flushable” wipes don’t break down the same way toilet paper does. These items expand and clog pipes quickly, especially in older plumbing systems.
9. Food Scraps
Even if you have a garbage disposal, certain foods like pasta, rice, and fibrous veggies can gum up the works and jam your drain.
10. Bleach or Harsh Chemicals
Pouring bleach or drain cleaner might seem like a quick fix, but over time, these chemicals corrode your pipes and do more harm than good.
“Your plumbing system isn’t a trash can. Treat it right, and it’ll treat you right.”
— The Ultra Plumbing Team
Why This Matters
Clogged pipes aren’t just annoying—they can cause water damage, lead to mold, and require expensive repairs. Even worse, minor clogs often build up slowly, giving homeowners a false sense of security—until one day, the whole system backs up.
That’s why folks in Livonia and surrounding areas trust Ultra Plumbing. We’re not here to scold you—we’re here to help.
We’ve spent years clearing drains, inspecting systems, and preventing disaster before it starts. Whether it’s your kitchen, bathroom, or utility sink giving you grief, call Ultra Plumbing at (734) 968-0882.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Call Ultra Plumbing Before It’s Too Late
If you’ve been putting any of the items above down your drains, don’t wait until the clog turns into a catastrophe. Whether you’re dealing with a slow sink, a mysterious smell, or a full-blown backup, Ultra Plumbing has the tools and experience to get your system flowing right again.
We proudly serve Livonia, Michigan and the surrounding areas, and we’re just a phone call away.
📞 Call Ultra Plumbing at (734) 968-0882 today—because your drains deserve the best.