At Mueller Residential Group, we know that buying or selling a home is more than a transaction - it’s about protecting one of your biggest investments. As a team that works closely with homeowners throughout Austin, we’ve seen firsthand how small maintenance habits can make a big difference in a property’s long-term value.

One of the most overlooked areas of home care? Your drains. Plumbing systems work quietly in the background - until something goes wrong. A small clog can quickly turn into an expensive repair, and water damage can even affect your home’s market value when it comes time to sell.

That’s why we put together this guide on the 9 things you should never pour down the drain - plus practical disposal alternatives available right here in Austin.

Why Protecting Your Drains Protects Your Home’s Value

The Hidden Costs of Plumbing Mistakes

Even minor plumbing problems can add up. A basic clog might cost a few hundred dollars to clear, but a burst pipe or sewer backup could mean thousands in repairs. Water damage can lead to mold remediation, flooring replacement, and drywall work - all of which can create major red flags during a buyer’s inspection.

How Drain Habits Impact Long-Term Home Maintenance

The good news is that most plumbing issues are preventable. The choices you make in the kitchen or bathroom each day - what you pour, rinse, or flush - directly impact your home’s plumbing health. By building good habits now, you can save money and protect your home’s resale value later.

Common Household Items That Should Never Go Down the Drain

Cooking Grease and Oils

👉 Austin Solution: Don’t pour it down the sink. Instead, drop off used cooking oil at Austin’s Household Hazardous Waste Facility. You can also let it solidify in a container and toss it in your green compost cart.

Coffee Grounds

👉 Austin Solution: Compost them! Austin’s curbside composting program accepts coffee grounds, or use them in your garden as a natural fertilizer.

Pasta, Rice, and Starchy Foods

👉 Austin Solution: Scrape leftovers into your green compost cart. Austin accepts all food scraps citywide.

Eggshells

👉 Austin Solution: Toss them in your compost cart. Crushed eggshells also enrich soil in your home garden.

Flour and Baking Ingredients

👉 Austin Solution: Compost unused flour or dough scraps through the city’s curbside compost program.

Paint, Solvents, and Harsh Chemicals

👉 Austin Solution: Drop them off at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, where they’re safely processed. Bonus: you can pick up free reusable paint at the facility’s Reuse Store!

Medications

👉 Austin Solution: Take them to official drug disposal kiosks around the city or participate in National Prescription Take-Back Day events.

Produce Stickers

👉 Austin Solution: Peel them off before rinsing and toss them in the trash. Austin’s compost program does not accept them.

Flushable Wipes and Paper Towels

👉 Austin Solution: Stick to toilet paper. Toss wipes and paper towels in the trash, or if food-soiled, put paper towels in the green compost cart.

How Small Habits Can Save Big on Home Repairs

Protecting Resale Value

Well-maintained plumbing gives future buyers peace of mind. Homes with clean inspection reports and updated systems often stand out in Austin’s competitive real estate market.

Budgeting for Preventative Maintenance

Think of plumbing care as part of your home’s regular upkeep - like landscaping or HVAC maintenance. Setting aside a small budget for prevention can save thousands in repairs later.

Pro Tips for Homeowners in Mueller and Beyond

• Use compost kitchen pail. The City of Austin sometimes gives them away for free at certain community events! Be sure to check the Austin Recycles app (Apple App Store, Google Play), AustinRecycles.com event calendar, or the Austin Recycles Facebook page.

• Sink strainers are a cheap and easy way to catch debris.

• Ask your plumber during inspections about potential freeze risks - especially important after Austin’s winter storm lessons.
  
  

Conclusion: Protect Your Drains, Protect Your Home

Here in Austin, homeowners have access to excellent composting and waste disposal programs. Using these services keeps drains clear, prevents costly repairs, and supports a cleaner community.

At Mueller Residential Group, we believe that smart home maintenance not only protects your property but also helps preserve long-term value when it’s time to sell. Avoiding these nine drain mistakes is one simple way to safeguard both your home and your investment.

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📞 Need Local Real Estate Guidance?

Whether you’re buying or selling in Mueller - or anywhere in Austin - our team is here to help. From maintenance tips to full-service real estate support, we’re your neighborhood experts.

👉 Call us at (512) 829-1351 or email hello@muellerresidentialgroup.com to connect today.