Your sink isn’t a trash can. It feels convenient, sure. But those “little” pours build into stubborn blockages, weird smells, and surprise repairs. And because Anchorage winters are unforgiving, pipes don’t forgive either. If you’re already on thin ice with slow drains, keep this close. And yes—when things get rough, drain cleaning services in Anchorage AK can save the day.
1.Grease, Oil, And Fat—Silent Pipe Glue: Drain Cleaning Services in Anchorage AK
Hot grease looks runny. However, it cools into a sticky sludge that clings to everything behind it. That’s how fatbergs form—mini ones at home, massive ones in city lines.
Never pour: bacon fat, cooking oil, butter, schmaltz.
Instead, let it cool, scrape it into the trash, or collect it in a sealed jar.
Quick check
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Wipe oily pans with a paper towel before washing.
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If you slipped up, follow with very hot water and a dab of dish soap. Not perfect, but better.
That second step isn’t a fix; it’s a damage limiter. If the drain’s still slow, call drain cleaning services in Anchorage AK.
2.Coffee Grounds and Tea Leaves—Tiny, Gritty Concrete
They seem harmless. But the grounds don’t dissolve. Instead, they pile up, especially in older or partially sloped lines. Tea leaves clump together.
Never pour: coffee grounds, loose tea, French press slurry.
Instead, consider composting or disposing of them. Your pipes will breathe easier.
Where Should This Go?
3.Flour, Rice, Pasta—Swells, Then Sticks
Flour turns to paste. Rice and pasta swell because they absorb water. Therefore, they trap other debris and create gummy plugs in P-traps.
Never pour: batter, dough scraps, leftover ramen, or overcooked rice.
Do this instead: scrape plates and bowls into the trash first. Then rinse.
Additionally, if you frequently cook noodles, consider investing in a sink strainer. Small move. Big payoff. When clogs win anyway, drain cleaning services in Anchorage AK, can handle the heavy lift.
4.Eggshells, Peels, And Fibrous Scraps—Grinders Hate Them
Garbage disposals sound tough. They’re not wood chippers. Eggshell membranes, celery strings, onion skins—these wrap and tangle. Meanwhile, peels and pits can jam the impeller.
Never pour: eggshells, fibrous veggies, fruit pits, corn husks.
Instead, compost what you can. Trash the rest. Run cold water before and after using the disposal for small, soft leftovers.
Fast habit shift
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Keep a counter compost bin by the sink.
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Empty it nightly. No smell. No gunk in pipes.
5.Paint, Solvents, And Chemicals—Bad for Pipes and Water
Even small amounts matter. Because they can corrode plumbing and harm wastewater systems, they create bigger environmental headaches.
Never mix: paint, paint thinner, nail polish remover, bleach.
Do this instead:
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Let trim leftover latex paint dry with kitty litter; then dispose of it per local rules.
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Use the city or store take-back for chemicals.
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When uncertain, call your waste facility.
If a “what did I do” mix is already sitting in the trap, don’t flush it further. It’s safer to stop and call drain cleaning services in Anchorage AK, to clear the line first.
6.Medications And Personal Care Products—Keep Them Out of Water
Pills don’t just vanish. Therefore, they enter waterways. The same applies to liquid medications, expired syrups, and certain cosmetics.
Never pour: prescription meds, OTC liquids, old colognes, nail polish.
Instead, consider using a pharmacy take-back program or official drop boxes. If none, follow FDA/municipal guidance (mix with unappealing trash, seal, then dispose).
Quick Steps: Safe Medication Disposal
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Remove personal info from bottles.
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Mix meds with coffee grounds or cat litter.
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Seal in a bag or container.
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Take to a drop site when available.
7.Harsh Drain Cleaners—Last Resort, Not Routine
They seem fast. However, repeated use can warp PVC, pit metal, and exacerbate a clog by hardening the blockage. And the fumes aren’t friendly.
Never pour: multiple brands together (dangerous reactions).
Try this first:
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Boiling water (for grease-only clogs).
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1:1 vinegar and hot water flush, then a plunger.
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A proper, non-wire drain snake.
If you need chemicals more than once, that’s a sign. It’s time for drain cleaning services in Anchorage AK, to clear the whole line.
8.Kitty Litter, Sand, Plaster—Heavies That Settle
Weighty particles sink and harden. Therefore, they collect in traps and horizontal runs, forming a concrete-like layer that’s tough to break.
Never pour: wet plaster, grout, mortar rinse, clay litter, sand from beach gear.
Do this instead: wipe buckets and tools into the trash. Furthermore, rinse outside on gravel, not inside your sink.
9.Motor Oil and Automotive Fluids—Call Them What They Are: Hazardous
These don’t just clog; they contaminate. Moreover, they damage gaskets and create long-term problems in municipal systems.
Never pour: motor oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, or power steering fluid.
Instead, take it to an auto parts store or a hazardous waste site.
If a spill happens in the garage sink, don’t chase it with hot water. Stop. Ventilate. Then consider professional cleanup and drain cleaning services in Anchorage AK, to inspect traps.
10. Hair, Floss, And “Flushable” Wipes—Stringy Traps and Tangles
Hair nets with everything. Floss knots up. And wipes? They don’t break down quickly, even if the label claims otherwise.
Never pour: hair clumps, dental floss, wipes, paper towels.
Instead, use a drain screen in bathroom sinks and showers. Also, empty it weekly.
Quick Bathroom Checklist
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Install a $5 hair catcher.
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Keep a small trash can right by the sink.
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Once a month, remove the trap, clean it out, and reseal.
When To Call A Pro (And When to Try)
You can handle minor slowdowns. However, persistent gurgling, sewer smells, or water backing up into a nearby drain indicate a larger blockage further down the line.
Try at home: plunging, hot-water flushes, a proper drain snake, and enzyme cleaners (for maintenance).
Call a pro: recurring clogs, multiple fixtures backing up, or after you’ve poured anything on this list. That’s when drain cleaning services in Anchorage AK are worth every penny.
Before You Walk Away—Fast Habits That Stick
Small habits beat big repairs. Start here today:
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Scrape plates and wipe pans before rinsing.
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Keep a grease can and compost bin within reach.
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Use sink strainers (kitchen and bath).
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Schedule routine line maintenance if your home has older piping.
The Bottom Line, Without the Clog
Your sink can handle water. A little prevention goes a long way, especially when pipes are working hard through long winters. If a clog’s already winning—or you’d rather skip the guesswork—reach out for drain cleaning services in Anchorage AK. And if you want it friendly, local, and no fuss, Curry’s Drain Cleaning is here when you need a hand.