What Common Items Should Never Go Down the Drain in Wilmington, DE
Tips from the pros at Clog Wizards – Clearing drains like MAGIC
Drain cleaning in Wilmington isn’t just about unclogging hairballs or food scraps. It’s about knowing what shouldn’t go down your pipes in the first place. We’ve been called out for some truly wild clogs—hot grease, Q-tips, and even a toothbrush (don’t ask). Your pipes aren’t invincible, and your garbage disposal isn’t a magic blender. What you send down the drain could cost you a small fortune—or worse, leave you ankle-deep in murky water.
Let’s save your plumbing—and your weekend plans. Here’s a list of common culprits that should never reach your drain.
What You Should NEVER Put Down the Drain
1. Grease, Oil, and Fat
It might slide down as a liquid, but give it a few minutes, and you’ve got yourself a greasy traffic jam. Think of bacon grease like candle wax—it cools, hardens, and clings to the sides. Eventually, nothing moves—not water, not waste, not anything.
2. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds clump together like wet sand. Toss them down the drain, and they’ll act like concrete over time. This is great for compost, but it’s terrible for drains.
3. Eggshells
You’d think they’re harmless, but the membrane inside sticks to other debris, causing blockages. Add water, and you’ve made a gritty paste that builds up fast.
4. Starches: Pasta, Rice, Potatoes
Cooked or not, these foods swell and become gluey when wet. We’ve pulled spaghetti snakes out of pipes more than once. Don’t be that story.
5. Produce Stickers
They’re sneaky. They slide off fruit and veggies and slip right down the drain. They don’t break down and can get stuck in pump screens and filters.
6. Flour
Flour + water = paste. Enough said. It coats the inside of your pipes like a layer of doughy wallpaper, eventually catching other debris.
7. Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, cotton balls, floss—none belong in your plumbing. These materials expand, tangle, and trap everything in sight.
8. “Flushable” Wipes
Spoiler: they’re not flushable. These wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper. They tangle up, create blockages, and mess with septic systems.
9. Paint, Solvents, and Harsh Chemicals
These products can harm your pipes and pollute Wilmington’s waterways. Dispose of them properly—don’t treat your sink like a science lab.
10. Kitty Litter
Don’t believe the hype, even if the box says it’s flushable. Litter absorbs moisture and clumps up—exactly what you don’t want in a pipe.
When to Call a Drain Cleaning Pro
We get it—you don’t want to call someone for every slow drain. But sometimes, it’s not worth trying to be the weekend plumber.
Here’s when you pick up the phone and let Clog Wizards work our magic:
- Water drains slower than your coffee brews. That’s not normal. A slow drain means a clog is forming—or already formed.
- You hear gurgling. Gurgling isn’t your drain’s way of saying thank you. It’s usually air bubbles fighting a clog.
- Multiple drains are backing up. This screams main-line blockage. Don’t DIY this. It can get messy fast.
- You smell something funky. A bad odor could mean organic material is rotting in your pipes.
- You’ve tried plungers, snakes, and boiling water… and nothing works. You gave it a good shot. Now call in the pros.
Our $99 Drain Clear offer makes it easier to act before things go sideways. One call, one low price, no mess.
Let’s Talk—A Quick FAQ
Can I use store-bought drain cleaners instead?
We wouldn’t. Most contain harsh chemicals that damage your pipes and don’t solve the underlying problem. It’s like putting a bandage on a busted pipe.
How often should I have my drains cleaned?
We recommend a professional cleaning every year or two—especially if your home is older or you’ve had issues before. It’s like an oil change for your plumbing.
Are garbage disposals safe for all food waste?
Nope. Avoid fibrous foods like celery, stringy peels, or bones. Think of soft scraps and small portions. And always run cold water.
What if I accidentally poured grease down the sink?
Don’t panic. Dump a pot of boiling water with dish soap to break it up. But if the water’s already backing up, give us a call.
Why choose Clog Wizards?
Because we make clearing drains like magic. We’re local, honest, and don’t leave a mess behind. Plus, $99 Drain Clear? That speaks for itself.
Final Thoughts from Your Local Drain Wizards
Plumbing problems don’t just wreck your pipes—they wreck your peace of mind. We’ve been called out on Sunday dinners, birthdays, and even holidays because someone thought, “Eh, it’ll be fine.” Spoiler: it wasn’t.
At Clog Wizards, we believe in catching problems early and helping you avoid the mess. That’s why we share tips like these and offer $99 Drain Clear without the runaround. Wilmington deserves clean, working drains, and we’re here to make sure they stay that way.
If you’re staring down a slow drain or strange smell, don’t wait for it to turn into a full-blown backup. Let’s fix it before it floods your plans. Give us a ring and let the wands—or the hydro jets—do their thing.
Clog Wizards: Clearing drains like MAGIC.