Owning a home is stressful at times, but proper understanding and maintenance will ensure your investment is protected. As a homeowner, you probably already understand why mowing the lawn and cleaning your interior is, but focusing on your plumbing and septic should also be a priority. Over time, your drains will take a beating that can lead to clogs, underlying leaks, and serious and expensive issues with your septic system. Thankfully, you can protect your finances and your home's plumbing. Here are a few everyday items you must stop putting down your drains and toilet.

Condoms

While you may not flush them every day, condoms are a common problem for plumbers and homeowners.

Placing condoms in your toilet and flushing is dangerous because  your septic system will not be able to break the material down. Even over a period of time, the latex will build up in both your toilet and septic line, increasing the risk of a backed up and failing septic system.

Unfortunately, latex condoms are also non-biodegradable. As they move through your septic or sewer system unable to break up, they will move into local waterways. This can be detrimental to the water supply and local wildlife.

To dispose of your used condoms in a manner that is safe for your plumbing and the environment, wrap it in a piece of tissue and place in your trash can.

Coffee Grinds

A common myth is that coffee grinds are excellent for your garbage disposal, so you may believe placing them in your sink drain is acceptable. However, this is definitely a myth that should be addressed. Whether you have a garbage disposal or not, never dispose of coffee grinds in your sink drain.

The damp grinds will become even thicker and heavier once they combine with the moisture in your sink drain. The clumpy, heavy residue will struggle moving through your drain and pipes, increasing the risk of clogs.

Your best option is to dispose of the coffee grinds in your trash can. You can also spread the coffee grinds around plants if you have a garden. The coffee grinds contain nutrients that are beneficial to your plants.

Produce Stickers

If you are like most people, you will clean your fruits and vegetables in your kitchen sink. During this task, the stickers on your produce may be washed away, moving through your drains and plumbing system.

Although small and hardly noticeable, these stickers can cause enormous problems for your drains.

The plastic material and adhesive backing on these stickers will struggle breaking down, increasing the risk of clogs. Plus, the stickers may eventually flow into local water treatment plants, where they can affect the actual water quality and local wildlife.

Flushable Wipes

Visit any discount retailer or grocery store and you will see a selection of cleaning or hygiene wipes that are labeled, "flushable." In actuality, these wipes should never be flushed down your toilet because they will not break down in an efficient and effective manner.

You may be shocked to see that these wipes do actually disappear when you flush, as opposed to them floating or clogging up the toilet drain. Although they will flush, the wipes can take years to disintegrate.

Avoid flushing these wipes down your toilet to prevent costly and overwhelming plumbing problems. If you choose to use them after using the bathroom or for general household cleaning purposes, dispose of them in your regular trash can.

Your plumbing and septic system is crucial for your home's function and family's needs. By avoiding placing these everyday items in your sink or toilet drain, your plumbing and septic system will work in the most effective and eco-friendly manner. Click here for more information.