It is pretty tempting to dump the mess of your coffee grounds down the sink and quickly get rid of it. But do not do so.
Coffee grinds may slow down your drain and possibly clog it. This is because they can cluster together and not decompose when submerged in water. This accumulated clump has the potential to block your drain.
Even though the coffee grounds seem like a fine powder that can quickly go down the drain without causing any plumbing trouble, these coffee grounds can appear to be deceptive.
So, instead of dumping your coffee grounds in the sink, you can dispose of them by other methods or even put them to better use.
Are Coffee Grounds Bad for Sink?
A common myth is that dumping coffee grounds down your sink doesn’t affect the kitchen’s drainage system. Unfortunately, this myth is not valid.
Coffee grounds are actually bad for your sink. Coffee grounds are one of the biggest reasons for your clogged drains other than grease.
Coffee grounds form a thick paste of clump once it gets wet. This clump can accumulate in your drainage pipes combined with other greasy substances such as oil and create havoc on your plumbing.
It is important to note that coffee grounds are not the main reason for your kitchen clogs.
Coffee grounds combined with other substances such as oil/grease and other materials don’t go down the sink and become a drained sludge.
However, if you’re in need, it is okay to throw your coffee grounds down the sink on rare occasions. First, make sure you run enough water to clean and rinse everything thoroughly.
Can Coffee Grounds Go Down the Shower Drain or Toilet?
Many people suggest that flushing coffee grounds in the toilet or dumping them in the shower drain isn’t that big of an issue.
You may think that since the shower drain does not contain kitchen waste, that can contribute to the clogging of your gutter.
Do not dump your coffee grounds in the shower or flush the toilet if you have a septic tank. The coffee grounds will add up to the layer of non-decomposed scraps.
Septic Tank vs. City Sewer
If you have a septic system, then coffee grounds should not enter your septic tank for mainly two reasons:
- Coffee grounds do not break with water and instead go to the compost pile. Coffee grounds take up space just like other materials and feminine waste products.
- Coffee grounds disrupt the tank’s ph levels by the acidification in these grounds. The acidification distorts the tank’s decomposition process and harms the tank’s bacteria.
This is another reason why coffee scrubs are also not advised to be used in the shower if you have a septic system.
The more often you dump coffee grounds in your septic system, the more often you will have to pump your septic tank.
In the case of a city sewer system, the coffee grounds may not have as many negative consequences. It won’t cause any overall damage to the drainage system apart from clogging your sink.
How to Prevent Coffee Grounds From Going Down the Drain?
You can easily prevent coffee grounds from entering your drain.
● Use a sink strainer.
This will help collect not just coffee grounds but any other kitchen scraps from entering the drainage pipe and making it clogged
● Turn the brewing chamber upside down on a sieve
This will allow all the liquids from the brewing machine to run down the sieve except the coffee grounds. You can then dispose of the grounds separately.
How to Dispose of Coffee Grounds?
The coffee grounds can be disposed of efficiently and in better use.
You can dispose of coffee grounds by the following methods:
- Add to your compost pile
- As a fertilizer in your garden or plants
- Trash bin
Used coffee grounds can also be creatively used for:
- As an insect repellent
- Exfoliation and scrubbing
- To paint pots
Takeaway
The coffee grounds can clog your kitchen sink as they accumulate other fatty substances. In addition, the coffee grounds become thick and clumpy when they get this clump attaches to the existing grease and other kitchen scraps to clog your sink.
As far as disposing of in your shower drain or toilet is concerned, this depends on whether you have a septic tank or city sewer.
Coffee grounds can have many undesirable consequences if you have a septic tank compared to a city sewer.
Instead of clogging your sink or causing any trouble to your drainage system, it is best to dispose of the coffee grounds efficiently. This can include compost pile, use as a fertilizer, or simply throwing in the trash can.
Used coffee grounds can also be used creatively as skin scrubs, paints, and insect repellents.
