Your plumbing system is designed to handle two things: water and human waste. Unfortunately, many homeowners in Gaithersburg and Rockville treat their drains like trash cans. The result? Stubborn clogs, backed-up sewers, and expensive emergency plumbing bills.
Even items labeled as “flushable” or “disposal safe” can wreak havoc on the aging pipes found in neighborhoods like Montgomery Village. Here is the definitive list of what you should absolutely NEVER put down your drains or toilet.
1. “Flushable” Wipes (They Are NOT!)
This is the #1 enemy of modern plumbing. Unlike toilet paper, wet wipes do not dissolve in water. They snag on small imperfections in your sewer line, catching grease and other debris until they form a massive blockage. WSSC Water spends millions removing these from the system. Rule of thumb: If it’s not TP, put it in the trash.
2. F.O.G. (Fats, Oils, and Grease)
Pouring bacon grease or frying oil down the kitchen sink is a recipe for disaster. It might look like liquid when it’s hot, but as soon as it hits your cold pipes, it solidifies into a hard, sticky mess that narrows your pipes like a clogged artery.
The Fix: Let grease cool in a can or jar, then throw it in the trash. Wipe oily pans with a paper towel before washing.
3. Chemical Drain Cleaners
When you have a clog, reaching for the “blue bottle” is tempting. Don’t do it. These harsh chemicals create heat that can melt plastic pipes and corrode old metal ones, leading to leaks. They are a temporary band-aid that causes long-term damage.
The Fix: Use a plunger or a snake. If that doesn’t work, call us for professional Video Camera Sewer Inspection to see what’s really going on.
4. Starchy & Fibrous Foods (in the Disposal)
Your garbage disposal is not a blender for everything. Avoid putting these down the sink:
- Potato peels & Rice: They turn into a thick, glue-like paste.
- Celery & Corn husks: The stringy fibers tangle around the disposal blades and burn out the motor.
- Coffee grounds: They don’t dissolve; they pile up like sediment in a P-trap.
5. Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons and pads are designed to absorb liquid and expand—the exact opposite of what you want inside a pipe. They are a leading cause of sudden main line backups in Germantown townhomes.
6. Kitty Litter (Even “Flushable” Brands)
Kitty litter is essentially clay or silica. When wet, it becomes heavy sludge that settles in the bottom of your pipes and refuses to move. Flushing it is terrible for your plumbing and the WSSC treatment plants.
When to Call a Profesional
If you have multiple drains backing up at once (e.g., you flush the toilet and the shower gurgles), you likely have a main sewer line blockage. Plunging won’t fix this.
Need a deeper clean? We offer Sewer Line Repair & Replacement and Hydrojetting services to clear years of grease and debris safely.
Service Area: Serving Gaithersburg (20878), Rockville, Germantown, North Potomac, Darnestown, Montgomery Village, Potomac, Derwood, Kentlands, and Washington Grove.