Can You Pour Coffee Grounds Down the Sink?

But as plumbing professionals, we can tell you with confidence that this one habit can lead to costly and completely avoidable plumbing problems. In this brief article brought to you by Texas Rooter, we want to spend some time on this frequently asked question.

If you'd rather consult with a trained plumber, then call Texas Rooter to schedule a face-to-face meeting or onsite visit for as soon as possible. Texas Rooter is a full-service company offering residential and commercial plumbing services.

Coffee Grounds: A Usual Suspect

Coffee grounds may look like harmless and damp grains, but they’re one of the leading causes of stubborn kitchen sink clogs. They don’t dissolve or break down once they go down the drain. Instead, they cling to pipe walls and mix with grease, soap scum, and other debris to form gluey blockages that restrict water flow.

These clogs can quietly build up until the warning signs begin: slow drainage, unpleasant odors, gurgling noises, and waste and wastewater backups. By then, you’re dealing with an inconvenient mess that requires professional intervention.

What About Garbage Disposals?

After hearing that bit above, many people respond to us with, "Well... is it okay if I have a garbage disposal?”

Unfortunately, garbage disposals don’t make coffee grounds safe for drains. They’re designed to grind food scraps - not something already ground. When coffee grounds enter the disposal, they bypass the grinding mechanism and go straight into the pipes where they can quickly accumulate.

In fact, many disposal-related service calls we respond to involve blockages caused by grounds and grease. If your sink has been draining slowly and you’re in the habit of disposing of coffee this way, your pipes may already be showing early signs of trouble.

What to Do Instead

If you don't want to toss your coffee grounds in the trash bin, then consider making use of them. Coffee grounds are a great addition to compost piles as they offer nutrients for your garden soil. Some people even use them as natural deodorizers or garden mulch. Whatever you choose, your plumbing system will thank you.

What If Damage Has Already Been Done?

We don't want this article to feel like a cold shower. Don't panic if you've been regularly rinsing coffee grounds down your drain. Heat a kettle of water to several degrees short of boiling. Then, pour it down the kitchen sink to try and break up the blockage. If this does not work, then it's time for advanced tools.

Non-invasive diagnostics and professional drain cleaning can have your drains as clean as new. At Texas Rooter, we begin with a camera inspection. This involves sending a high-resolution camera through your drain line to identify any blockages, buildup, or damage.

Once we've got a map of the drains, we can plan a hydro-jetting session. This method of drain cleaning uses high-pressure water to thoroughly scour your pipes without chemicals or dismantling fixtures.

Additional Drain-Sabotaging Habits to Avoid

Since we’re on the topic, tossing coffee grounds in the sink isn’t the only everyday kitchen mistake to watch out for. Also avoid putting the following items down your sink:

• Grease and oils: These solidify and coat pipe walls as gluey substances.
• Pasta and rice: These expand with water and form sticky clumps.
• Eggshells: They don’t sharpen the blades; they just add to sediment buildup.
• Stringy vegetables: Fibers from celery or corn husks can wrap around disposal blades and jam the unit.

Call Texas Rooter to Hire a Local Plumber

Would you rather have an experienced plumber investigate? Contact Texas Rooter to request emergency plumbing repair service today. We are also happy to schedule a convenient appointment for a more suitable time. Our team is ready to take your call or message today.