Food waste remains a global concern as more people continue to be near famine in countries worldwide. According to Embrace Relief, as much as 40% of the food supply in the United States goes to waste each year. However, wasting food doesn't just impact people on the other side of the world. It also affects you and your plumbing system when food gets rinsed down the drain.

1. Clogs

One of the most common ways food waste impacts your household is via clogged pipes. Tiny food particles will slowly build up in the lines until you cannot use them anymore. Homeowners that dump grease down the drain will discover that it often hardens before making it out of the plumbing system, causing severe clogs. These are inconvenient and costly.

2. Corrosion

As food stays stuck inside your pipes, it slowly breeds mildew and bacteria. This can speed up corrosion, especially if the foods are acidic. For example, tomatoes and citrus fruits cause pipes to rust faster than usual. The best way to prevent this problem is by not rinsing food down the drain and by reducing waste.

3. Gross Odors

Food does more than damage your pipes when rinsed down the drain. It can also damage your indoor air quality. Food slowly molds while in the lines, releasing foul odors. As more food accumulates and time passes, the smell worsens. Then, it will slowly spread throughout the kitchen, impacting the air quality for everyone.

4. Sewer System Damage

Your pipes are not designed to handle anything other than natural waste from people and water. Food puts more pressure on pipes. If it goes through your pipes, it lands in the sewer system, putting an additional strain on the sewer system. If homeowners own a septic system, it can cause damage to the system, resulting in an expensive repair bill.

There are several things homeowners can do to prevent these issues. Reduce wasted food by using smaller portion sizes for family members. Only cook what you eat, and save leftovers whenever possible instead of throwing them away. Also, avoid dumping grease down the drain. Eliminating or reducing food waste is essential, as is disposing of food waste properly. Contact Helgerson's Environmental for more information.