[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

People often ask, “It’s OK to put coffee grounds down the sink as long as I flush with enough water, right?” No. Don’t do it. Even if you’ve been told that flushing coffee grounds down the sink from time to time will help “clean” the drain pipe and freshen the scent. That’s not true.

What happens when I put coffee grounds down the sink?

People often ask, “Keep in mind that coffee grounds started out as solid, rock-hard beans. They maintain their firmness even when ground down to make coffee. Unlike most foods, coffee grounds clump together in water rather than breaking down. Over time, they can build up inside your sink drains and create clogs. Major clogs. Major problems.

But what if I have a garbage disposal?

Remember, coffee grounds started out as rock-hard beans and they remain rock-hard as grounds. Garbage disposals do a good job with softer foods, but coffee grounds will wear down the appliance’s blade, making it harder for the disposal to effectively grind up even the softer foods. Meanwhile, the coffee grounds will keep accumulating in your drain pipe. And worse, mushed-up food remains will pile on top of the coffee grounds. Eventually you’ll have a smelly blob and a full blockage.

What if I forget and accidentally pour some coffee grounds down the sink?

First, we’re certain you wouldn’t do that, but it’s possible your spouse, your kids or your visiting in-laws would. If it happens — especially just one or twice — don’t panic. Just keep on the lookout for warning signs that you need the help of a professional plumber.

• Water backing up in the sink
• The odor of rotting food coming from your drain
• Food particles visible in the drain after you run the dishwasher
• Slow-draining water in the sink
• A gurgling noise from the sink

If you notice these problems, it’s time to call the plumber. A professional plumber can locate the exact source of the problem, then fix it so it won’t re-occur.

So what should I do with coffee grounds?

An obvious choice, of course, is throwing coffee grounds in the trash. It’s probably best to let them dry out first so they don’t leak through the trash bag. There are several other uses for coffee grounds, too. Among them:

• Fertilizer. Coffee grounds are great for your garden, since they contain minerals not typically found in your soil. They also attract worms, which are good for your garden.
• Compost. A compost bin is a way to get rid of food waste, and coffee grounds make the compost richer than other food waste.
• Insect repellent. Coffee grounds naturally repel bugs. Setting a bowl of coffee grounds on your deck or patio will help keep insects away.
• Neutralize odors. Don’t use coffee grounds to eliminate sink drain odors, but they can be useful if placed in your refrigerator, pantry, bathroom, even your car.

Coffee grounds are just one of a number of things you shouldn’t pour down your sink, but in today’s busy world the wrong things sometimes do go down the sink. Knight’s Mechanical is always ready to help out quickly in a plumbing emergency.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

continue reading

Related Posts