10 Surprising Items You Must Never Pour Down the Drain

Building Debris

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During renovations, it may seem convenient to rinse gritty dust or paint flecks down a utility sink. Yet concrete powder hardens underwater, and tile shards shred rubber gaskets. Even fine drywall dust cakes inside P-traps, acting like wet plaster.

Use heavy-duty trash bags and designated construction dumpsters for rubble. If disposing of paint, follow local hazardous-waste guidelines. A few minutes of proper cleanup prevents thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs and keeps toxic particles out of waterways.