Here’s how to keep your drains happy & avoid some seriously gross consequences

Let’s be real — no one likes dealing with a clogged drain. It’s messy, it’s gross, and it’s usually way more expensive than you’d expect. But here’s the thing: Not everything is meant to go down the drain. Some items can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing and put a serious dent in your wallet. The City of Toronto wants you to avoid those late-night calls to the plumber by simply knowing what not to flush or pour down the drain.

Here's the lowdown on what’s safe to send down the pipes and what’s better off in the trash. Trust us, your drains (and your wallet) will thank you later.

What NOT to flush

Jan Antonin Kolar | Unsplash

Wipes (Even the “Flushable” Ones): Most wipes don’t break down easily and can create massive clogs.

Tampons & Pads: These absorb moisture and don’t dissolve like toilet paper, causing blockages.

Condoms: Made of latex, they don’t break down and can cause serious clogs.

Dental Floss: It can wrap around debris, forming a big, stringy mess in your pipes.

Cotton Balls & Q-tips: They don’t break down and can contribute to blockages.

What NOT to pour down the sink

Henry Kobutra | Unsplash

Cooking Oils & Fats: These can solidify in your pipes, causing blockages. Let them cool and toss them in your green bin.

Grease: Like oils, grease hardens when it cools. Pour it into the green bin or into a container and bring to a City of Toronto Drop-Off Depot.

Coffee Grounds: These don’t dissolve and can clump together, leading to slow drains or clogs.

Food Scraps: Even small bits of food can accumulate and block your pipes. Use a strainer and toss them in your compost.

Where should these items go?

Courtesy of City of Toronto

Green Bin: Even small bits of food can accumulate and block your pipes. Use a strainer and toss them in your compost or the green bin.

Garbage: Wipes, cotton swabs and dental floss should be tossed in the trash.

Recycling: Some items, like certain cooking oils, can be recycled at local drop-off points. Check the city’s website for details.

Clogs in your home’s plumbing can lead to pricey repairs, but the impact doesn’t stop there. When these blockages reach the city’s sewer pipes or wastewater treatment plants, they can trigger even bigger problems. During heavy rain, sewers can overflow and untreated wastewater along with anything you flush can end up polluting our creeks, rivers and lakes.

So, before you flush or rinse something away, ask yourself: Could this cause a problem later? If the answer is yes, choose a better disposal method. For more tips, visit the link below.

City of Toronto website