Christmas is just around the corner, and a plumber has warned that the by-products of lavish meals and drinks can wreak havoc on our plumbing if we dispose of them the wrong way. Everyday foods and drinks, such as gravy, cream, and cream liqueurs, can all clog up our drains and lead to unwelcome blockages.
A plumbing expert from MyBuilder.com is advising those celebrating this December to consider how to dispose of risky products - and to think before you sink. While it may seem normal to pour unwanted food and drink down the plughole, it’s actually a major hazard for our drainage systems.
Items such as gravy, cooking oil, and even Christmas favourite, Baileys, are classified as Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOGs). If poured directly down the sink, they can line drainage pipes and cause blockages as they cool down and solidify. These FOGs are the major culprit of the “fatbergs” that live in our sewers - so it’s not just your own systems that you risk if disposing of risky items in this manner.
Mike Flook, a plumber from MyBuilder.com, said: “FOGs are really problematic for our drains. And it's not a problem that's easy to solve without a professional. Some sink waste kits can be a bit like a jigsaw, and I’ve come across many situations where customers have attempted to unblock a sink themselves and then ended up putting the washers back in different places, which then causes a leak.
“Recently I had a customer who ended up causing unnecessary damage, and I had to replace the entire double bowl waste kit. I also dealt with a customer that had decided to pour candlewax down their sink, and the candlewax set solidly inside the trap. So when it was taken out, it was actually the shape of a candle again! You could’ve literally reused it.
“Disposing of FOGs down the sink in the run up to Christmas could lead to a disaster over the holidays. Should you have any emergency issues over the festive period, you might find it harder to find a tradesperson who's available, and so you may have fewer options when it comes to pricing. And you’re contributing to our nation’s fatbergs, which is a significant issue in our sewers.
“It’s always best to err on the side of caution - if you think a product might be a FOG, do your best to avoid wastage - and if that’s not possible, wrap up the excess product and pop it in the bin. The last thing you need is blocked pipes on Christmas Day.
“Should you accidentally pour a FOG down the sink, immediately run the hot water. Heat from the water can help to dissolve grease and fats, and keep them in liquid form until they are out of your pipes and in the sewer. Leave the hot water running for several minutes to be safe. Adding soap to hot water is a simple and gentle way to help remove the blockages, as it can break down the fats without damaging your pipes. DON’T use chemicals. Drain unblockers are often ineffective against FOGs, and can cause damage to your pipes in the process. A simple plunger can actually be more effective than chemicals.”
Tips to avoid any household disastersDrink it, don’t sink it - Baileys
Cream liqueur drinks, such as the popular Christmas favourite, Baileys, have a surprisingly short shelf life when opened. For this reason, many of us end up with a half-finished bottle left in the fridge. While it may seem sensible to pour it down the sink before recycling the bottle, cream liqueurs are classed as FOGs.
Leftover meat fat
As with Baileys, meat fat is classed as FOG. Half the population admit to pouring FOGs down the drain, but don’t be one of them. The problem with pouring leftover fat down the drain is it will cool, which can lead to blockages and fatbergs in your pipes. Calling out a plumber on Christmas Day is not easy - both in terms of availability and on the wallet. Emergency callouts can be four times as expensive as a regular one - and even more at Christmas.
It’s all gravy
A common meal staple in the UK, but leftovers must be put in the bin as opposed to down the sink. This is because it contains both fats and flour, which is double the threat.
Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds may seem like an innocent item to wash down the sink, and is not a FOG, but actually, they are a prime candidate for clogging pipes. They can clump together in U bends and cause a tricky blockage, especially if they get mixed up with other foodstuffs. Instead, you can use your coffee grounds to mix with soil in your garden as an effective fertiliser - or pop it in your bin.
And it’s not just your sinks that are in danger.
Check your toilets
Extra guests in your house can put a strain on your toilets. But there are steps you can take to help avoid drama. Check your toilet/s are running properly before guests arrive, and make sure you provide a bin for any products that shouldn’t be flushed down the loo.
