20 Common Practices That Can Damage People's Kitchen Sinks

The kitchen sink is an appliance a lot of us take for granted. It helps us keep things clean, and that's about it. But it clogs or needs repairs, it can cause unimaginable frustration — especially when the damage was our fault, and we didn't even know we were doing anything wrong! So, whether it's the food you're putting down the drain or the fact that you're simply neglecting to check your parts, here are the biggest sink-related mistakes you’re probably making. Stop now!

20. High-fiber Foods

Celery, asparagus, and corn may be good for your digestive system, but they’re not so good for the inner workings of your sink — especially if you have a garbage disposal. The stringy, fibrous materials clog pipes and get wrapped around the blades. At the very best, you’ll have to remove a food hairball from the drain. At worst, you'll break your disposal.

19. Potato Peels

Resist the temptation to peel potatoes over the sink. Potatoes are filled with starch, which can clump into large masses that may get stuck deep inside of your plumbing. It only takes a few potatoes or stray peels for them to congeal into something gross and harmful for your pipes.

18. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds may be messy, but don't pour them into the sink. The dense grounds won't drain away easily with running water, and they can build up and block your pipes. Instead, use them as a natural pest deterrent in your garden or mixed in with your compost.

17. Dairy

Pouring milk in the drain won't clog it, but it does harm the environment. Breaking down dairy uses a ton of oxygen, and removing all that oxygen from an ecosystem can kill local aquatic life. When your dairy has gone bad, just dispose of it in the trash!