Clogged drains are one of the most common plumbing headaches for homeowners in Vancouver, WA—but did you know that most clogs are completely preventable?
Many of the items people flush or rinse down their drains may seem harmless, but they can cause serious damage to your plumbing system over time. Whether you live in a new home or an older property in Vancouver, proper drain care is essential to prevent backups, expensive repairs, and even water damage.
Here’s what you should never flush or pour down your drains—and why.
🚽 1. Flushable Wipes (Spoiler: They’re Not Really Flushable)
Despite their name, “flushable” wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper. They clump together and cause massive blockages in household pipes and municipal sewer systems.
🔗 According to a report by the Water Environment Federation, wipes are responsible for a significant percentage of sewer clogs across the U.S.
✅ Better Alternative:
Throw them in the trash—always.
🍳 2. Grease, Oil, and Fat (a.k.a. FOG)
That leftover bacon grease might be liquid when it’s hot, but it solidifies in your pipes—leading to fatbergs that block drains over time.
📚 The EPA warns that grease is a leading cause of sewer overflows in the U.S.
✅ Better Alternative:
Pour cooled grease into a jar or container, then dispose of it in the trash.
🐾 3. Cat Litter
Even if it’s labeled flushable, cat litter is highly absorbent and does not break down in water. It can clump inside your pipes and lead to a major blockage.
💡 Litter can also carry toxoplasma, a parasite that can contaminate water supplies, according to NOAA.
✅ Better Alternative:
Scoop it into a sealed bag and place it in the trash.
💊 4. Expired Medications
Flushing unused meds may seem like the safest way to dispose of them, but it actually pollutes local waterways and affects marine life.
🧪 The FDA advises against flushing most medications unless specifically labeled.
✅ Better Alternative:
Take them to a Vancouver-area drug take-back program or Clark County disposal site.
👶 5. Cotton Swabs & Dental Floss
They might be small, but these stringy and fibrous items can tangle together, creating a net that catches other debris.
🧵 According to the City of Vancouver Public Works, these are common culprits of residential sewer line clogs.
✅ Better Alternative:
Dispose of these in a bathroom trash bin.
🏡 Preventing Drain Problems in Your Vancouver Home
Maintaining clear drains is one of the simplest ways to protect your home plumbing system. Here are quick daily habits that help:
- Use a drain strainer to catch hair and food scraps
- Run hot water after washing greasy dishes
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners, which can corrode pipes over time
🔧 Need Help With a Tough Drain Clog?
Sometimes, even with the best habits, a clog sneaks in. That’s where we come in.
At Einstein Pros Vancouver, we offer expert, local drain cleaning services using safe, effective methods. We’re committed to helping Vancouver residents protect their homes—and their plumbing—for the long haul.
👉 Schedule your service today with our trusted team of licensed plumbing pros.
📌 Final Takeaway
If you wouldn’t eat it, wear it, or grow it—it probably doesn’t belong down the drain. Following these simple rules can save you from costly plumbing issues and protect our local Vancouver, WA infrastructure.
Be kind to your pipes—your wallet will thank you.