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**The Reason Why You Should Never Throw Rice Down the Kitchen Sink**
In this article, we’ll break down why you should *never* throw rice down the kitchen sink and offer some tips on how to dispose of it properly.
### **1. Rice Expands When Wet**
For example, if you pour rice down the sink and run water over it, the rice might initially slip through the pipes. However, as it continues to absorb water in the plumbing, it could swell up and form a solid mass, obstructing the flow of water and potentially leading to a clog in your pipes.
### **2. Rice Can Cause Clogs in Your Plumbing System**
Even if your sink has a garbage disposal, it’s still a bad idea to throw rice down there. While a disposal can chop up larger food pieces, rice is too small and dense, and it will clump together instead of being ground down into tiny particles. As a result, you may find yourself dealing with a sluggish drain or, worse, a full-blown plumbing emergency.
When rice creates a clog, it can cause water to back up in your sink, which is not only a nuisance but can also result in significant damage to your plumbing system. Standing water or slow-draining water can lead to mold growth, foul odors, and potential corrosion of your pipes. In severe cases, a clog could cause a complete blockage, leading to more costly plumbing repairs.
### **4. It’s a Waste of Water**
If you ever notice that your sink is clogged with rice, you’ll likely need to use a lot of water to try and clear the drain. This can be a significant waste of water, especially when you have to flush the clog multiple times to get rid of it. Not only is this bad for your plumbing, but it’s also not environmentally friendly. Water conservation is important, and using excessive amounts of water to clear a clog is an unnecessary waste.
Now that you know why you should avoid throwing rice down the sink, the next question is: *what should you do with leftover rice?*