October 2018
Not everything that goes down the drain makes it through the pipe.
Food waste, coffee grinds, cooking oil, fat drippings or kitchen grease in kitchen drains can cause blockages that are expensive to clear out. In addition to plumbing repair costs, drain blockages that cause water to back up into a home may result in insurance deductible payments and rising insurance premiums.
Over time build up in pipes will block up drainage systems causing sewage and water to back up through sinks, floor drains and toilets. Water overflows can cause damage to your home and those of your condo neighbours.
While some believe that dish soap or hot water mixed with grease will break it down, these temporary measures allow grease to re-solidify in pipes.
It only takes one resident to block up a single drain stack servicing dozens or hundreds of people.
A backed up drain creates a mess, bad odours and possibly flooding damage. The cost and inconvenience is easily avoided by following a few accepted practices.
- Use sink stoppers or sink strainers/screens to prevent solid items from going into the drain.
- Never pour grease or oil down a drain. Grease and oil are not water soluble. They stick to inner pipe walls, prevent proper drainage and create blockages.
- Wipe down pans with a paper towel before cleaning. Keep a sealable container for grease and oil. Dispose of these containers in the garbage room. Avoid disposal in the garbage chute.
- Do not pour corrosive chemicals such as Liquid Plumber or Drano down drains. Many commercial cleaners that claim to dissolve grease only serve to transport if further down the pipes where it is harder to reach and more expensive to clear out.
- Do not install a garbage disposal unit in your kitchen. Electric sink disposal units are not compatible with high-rise
