Can You Put Coffee Grounds Down the Sink?

Can You Put Coffee Grounds Down the Sink? What to Know for Your Plumbing

Lead: The quick answer

No—pouring coffee grounds down the kitchen sink is not recommended. Although they may look harmless, grounds can accumulate in pipes, harden over time, and contribute to clogs, especially in older plumbing or long runs of pipe.

Why coffee grounds can cause trouble

Coffee grounds don’t dissolve in water. They tend to stick to the inside of pipes, combine with grease, and form a sludge that narrows passages over weeks or months. In some homes, this can lead to slow drains or back-ups, particularly in the sink’s trap or in the main line.