Kitchen sink
- Fats, oils and grease — they cool, harden and coat the pipe
- Coffee grounds and eggshells, which settle into a sludge
- Rice, pasta and bread, which swell with water
- Stringy or fibrous scraps such as celery, onion skins and corn husks
Toilet
- Wipes, including those labeled flushable
- Paper towels, tissues and cotton products
- Dental floss, hair and feminine products
- Medication, which should go to a take-back program
Anywhere
Paint, solvents, motor oil and harsh chemicals damage pipes and septic systems and pollute water. Dispose of them through local hazardous waste collection.
Better habits
Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing, scrape plates into the trash or compost, and use strainers in sinks and showers. These small habits prevent most household clogs.