Can You Wash Paint Down The Sink? (Find Out Now!)
When you finish a paint job there will almost always be some extra paint leftover. You may ask yourself if it is acceptable for you to wash the paint down the sink. The short answer to this question is no.
Not only can almost all paint damage sinks and pipes, but some paints are incredibly toxic and should be disposed of with the utmost care.
You should not wash your paint down the sink. Bring any unwanted oil-based paint to a hazardous waste facility. You can dry out your latex and water-based paints before disposing of them in the trash. There are also several ways you can donate your unwanted paint. You may want to save your paint, as some paints last more than 10 years if stored properly.
Determine what type of paint you have before you prepare to dispose of it. Oil-based paints require a very specific disposal process, which differs from latex and water-based paints.
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Not Down The Drain
Paint should not be washed down the drain if it is avoidable. Sometimes you may need to clean a paintbrush with water or latex paint. You may need to wash some paint out into the sink. If you ever wash some latex or water-based paint down a drain be sure you dilute the paint as much as possible. Washing paint down a sink can cause a number of issues.
- Paint Coats Your Drains. When you wash paint down the sink it can easily cling and dry to the sides of the pipes, especially if it is not thoroughly diluted. This can contribute to drainage issues and pipe damage.
- Paint Can Contaminate The Ground. If you dump your paint down a storm drain it can pollute the ground around your home. This can affect your plants and even the groundwater.
- You Can Damage Your Septic System. Paint does not break down in a septic system. It will stay in the tank, filling it up quicker and making it necessary to pump it more frequently.Â
Oil-Based Paints
Oil-based paints contain elements that are potentially hazardous to the environment and living beings. This type of paint should never be poured down a drain.
When you want to dispose of oil-based paint, bring it to a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility. Some paint retail stores will take your unused paint also. Be sure to call your local retailer to see if they participate in any take-back programs.
Leave It In The Sun
When you have some extra latex or water-based paint it is often easiest to let it dry out. If you leave the paint in the sun and exposed to the air, it should it dry quickly.
If you have a good deal of paint or have limited time to dry the paint you can pour it into a large cardboard box. The increased surface area will help the paint dry quicker. In some municipalities, you can leave this dried paint in the cardboard for trash pickup. Still, be sure to refer to your local trash policies before bringing the dried paint to the curb.
Try Kitty Litter
If drying paint in the sun is not an option you can use kitty litter to quickly dry your latex or water-based paint.
- Combine equal parts latex or water-based paint and kitty litter in a paint can.
- Mix the kitty litter and paint together. Let it absorb for 1 hour.
- Throw the paint can away once the mixture is fully absorbed into the kitty litter.
Use Paint Hardener
If you do not have kitty litter you can try another method to dry your paint. Paint hardeners are an additive that can dry out your unwanted paint. Hardening additives can be helpful when you are trying to harden a large amount of paint. They are also inexpensive and available at most hardware stores or online.
Check Your Local Laws
Although some rules of paint disposal are finite, it is important to research laws in your specific community. There are several rules you should pay particular attention to.
Recycling Paint Cans
Before you put your used paint cans in the recycle bin be sure the recycle company will take them. Some municipalities will take any empty paint cans. Others do not take paint cans at all. Some have more specific regulations. Be sure to find out the rules in your community.
Dried Paint Pickup
Some communities will accept your dried paint on the curb. There are municipalities that require you to include it with other trash. Be sure to look up the regulations in your area to ensure you are in accordance with the rules.
Save It For Later
Paint can last longer than you may think if it is stored properly. When you store paint first be sure the paint can is sealed tight. If you have a rubber mallet use this to close the paint can. Should a rubber mallet not be unavailable, softly hammer the lid without denting the metal.
Store your paint in the basement or in a room that stays cool and dark. Place the paint on a shelf to ensure the bottom of the paint can does not rust on a moist floor.
Latex Paint
Latex paint can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years depending how well it is stored. Be sure the room you store it in does not greatly fluctuate in temperature. Paint stores best when it is kept at a cool temperature.
If you open the paint can and it smells rancid then it most likely should be thrown away.
Oil-Based Paint
When oil-based paint is stored properly it can last up to 15 years. Oil-based paints are slightly more resilient than latex and water-based paints. Still, these paints should be sealed properly and stored in the same cool dry conditions.
Donate It
Related Questions
How Do I Know How Much Paint To Buy
There are several mathematical formulas you can use to determine the right amount of paint to purchase for your next project. The numbers will vary based on the type of paint and the number of coats. Most major paint retailers, including Home Depot and Lowes, have paint calculators. These paint calculators are available for free online and are a great resource to use before your next paint purchase.
How Long Do I Stir Old Paint
You need to recombine old paint when you reuse it. Paint separates over time. If you notice the paint is separated be sure to thoroughly stir or shake it for 5 minutes. This will ensure the paint is recombined and ready for use.
Why Is Oil-Based Paint Hazardous
Oil-based paints have several contaminants that make them hazardous to people and the environment. Their fumes can contain high levels of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These VOCs can be poisonous if inhaled and should be avoided.Oil-based paints can also be flammable. The dangerous contaminants in the paint combined with its high flammability make this paint hazardous. It is imperative you bring oil-based paint in any form to a home hazardous treatment facility in your community.
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Concluding Notes
It is safe to say that washing paint down the sink is not the right way to dispose of paint. In addition to the potential problems it can cause, it may also be dangerous to your health. The sink is not a good final resting place for your paint, but there are many options for getting rid it.
Be sure to identify the type of paint you are looking to dispose of. All oil-based paint needs to be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste facility. When it comes to latex or water-based paints be sure to dry them out before disposing of them using one of several methods listed above.
Don’t forget there are often organizations and local community groups that may appreciate your unused paint as a donation. If you have space in your basement you may also want to properly store it there until you need it again.
Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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