Even though coffee grounds are horrible for your plumbing, we still have customers call us out for an issue caused by coffee grounds down the drain. Somewhere in their life they’ve been told that it’s okay to do with a disposal, only in small amounts, or some were even told it is good for clearing drains or freshening the waste disposer. 

We admit they appear to go down the drain quite easily, especially with a disposal. However, they can pile up in the pipes resulting in a sludge, that attracts waste and causes a backup in your drain. Even if you do have a waste disposal unit, you should never put coffee grounds down the drain. Coffee grounds do not dissolve or easily break down instead they act much like grease and fats due to the oils found in coffee. The only things to go down the disposal should be small amounts of food left on dishes and the water used to wash them. 

So, to answer the question, No do not put coffee grounds down the drain. A much better alternative would be to add your used coffee grounds to your compost bin. If coffee grounds have your drains struggling to do their job and you want it fixed right the first time, call Master Rooter Plumbing. Since 1948 we’ve been helping Southern Idaho Families with plumbing and septic needs. 

Other things to avoid putting down drains and toilets would be:

Hair

harsh cleaning chemicals (in excess)

Floss

Feminine hygiene products

Diapers and wipes

Paint, lacquer, etc.