Although it can be convenient to use your sink as a means for disposing of small food particles when you’re cleaning your dishes, those same particles can end up inside your pipes and eventually create a blockage. Even small pieces of food, like grains of rice, chopped onions, and vegetable peels can accumulate and lead to big problems in the future. Always scrape food off your dishes and silverware into your trash before rinsing your dishes in your sink or placing them in your dishwasher.