Plumber in Mesa, AZ Shares Drain-Saving Advice: What Not to Send Down the Pipes

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Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 5:25am UTC

Say Goodbye to Drain Nightmares: Expert Advice From New Era Plumbing

Chandler, United States - October 28, 2025 / New Era Plumbing /

Homeowners in Mesa, AZ, know the desert heat can make every day a grind, but a clogged drain turns it into a real headache. Sudden backups lead to standing water, foul smells, and emergency calls that nobody wants. As a trusted plumber in Mesa, AZ, New Era Plumbing sees these issues daily and wants to help prevent them. Their team of licensed pros urges folks to think twice before tossing items down sinks or toilets. Simple habits can keep pipes clear and save on costly fixes. Here's what plumbers warn against flushing or pouring, straight from the experts who unclog the messes.

Skip the Grease: It Builds Up Like Nobody's Business

Cooking fats top the list of drain nightmares. Bacon drippings, butter, or olive oil might seem harmless as they slide down warm, but they cool and harden into a sticky buildup called a "fatberg." Over time, this coats pipes, trapping other debris until blockages form.

New Era Plumbing techs often snake out these globs from kitchen sinks in Mesa homes after holiday feasts. The fix? Wipe grease with a paper towel and trash it, or store in a jar for recycling. This easy switch keeps water flowing freely and avoids the $200-plus service call.

Flushable Wipes? Think Again—They're Anything But

"Flushable" wipes promise convenience for quick cleanups, but plumbers call them a scam. Made from tough synthetic fibers, they don't break down like toilet paper. Instead, they tangle with other waste, creating stubborn clogs in sewer lines.

In Mesa's older neighborhoods, where pipes run narrow, these wipes cause backups that flood bathrooms. New Era's crew pulls out miles of sodden clumps yearly. Stick to plain toilet paper only—wipes go in the bin. It's a small change that protects your septic or city connection from big problems.

Food Scraps Like Rice and Pasta Spell Trouble

That leftover stir-fry or pasta boil? Don't rinse it down the drain. Starchy foods like rice, oats, or noodles swell when wet, expanding to block traps and bends in pipes. Coffee grounds act the same, turning into a gritty paste that grinds gears in garbage disposals.

Mesa families grinding through veggie peels or eggshells face the same fate—sharp bits nick blades and jam flows. New Era Plumbing recommends scraping plates into the compost or trash first, then rinsing sparingly. A quick strainer over the sink catches most offenders, keeping your disposal humming without the drama.

Harsh Chemicals: They Eat Away at Your System

Pouring drain cleaners or paints down the sink feels like a fix, but it backfires fast. Acidic formulas corrode pipes, especially older galvanized ones common in Mesa builds, leading to leaks and weak spots. Excess chemicals also harm septic bacteria, forcing full pump-outs.

Hair and Fibers: Sneaky Clog Culprits in Showers

Bathroom drains hide another foe—hair from shaves or long showers. Mixed with soap scum and body fibers, it mats into a slimy plug that slows drains to a drip. Dental floss or cotton swabs add to the tangle, turning routine rinses into slow-motion nightmares.

Know the Essentials From New Era Plumbing

Clogs don't announce themselves until it's too late, but dodging these common pitfalls keeps your Mesa home running dry. New Era Plumbing, your go-to plumber in Mesa, AZ, stands by with 24/7 emergency service and honest repairs. Their team uses high-tech cameras to spot issues early, ensuring fixes last.

Don't wait—reach out to New Era today for a free consultation. Clear drains mean more time for desert sunsets, not sink side stress.

Contact Information:

New Era Plumbing

1317 W Palomino Dr
Chandler, AZ 85224
United States

Contact New Era Plumbing
(480) 440-6730
https://neweraplumbingaz.com/

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