Individuals are being cautioned against pouring liquid from canned tuna down their sink due to potential severe consequences for both their kitchen drains and the local sewer system. This warning was emphasized by Nick Knowles, a presenter on BBC’s DIY SOS, during an appearance on Morning Live on Friday. Knowles highlighted the issue of fatbergs, which are large blockages composed of fats, oils, and greases combined with other materials, causing significant problems in sewer systems and drains.
These fatbergs can result in property flooding, sewage overflow into rivers, the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and substantial costs for manual extraction with high-pressure equipment. In case of suspected blockages near residences, individuals are advised to contact their water company promptly.
To mitigate the risk of fatberg formation, Knowles advised against disposing of certain food items in toilets and sink drains, specifically pointing out tinned tuna liquid. He stressed the importance of keeping oils and fats away from drains, suggesting alternative methods such as absorbing small liquid amounts with paper towels and discarding them in the trash, pouring them into sealed containers, or using them for cooking purposes.
After cooking with oil, Knowles recommended allowing the oil to cool completely before disposing of it in a throwaway container like a used tin can. He also cautioned against pouring food grease, scraps, coffee grounds, and other items down drains, as well as urged individuals not to flush cotton buds, nappies, or wet wipes down toilets.
Furthermore, Knowles shared indicators of potential drain or sewer blockages and provided size comparisons to illustrate the scale of fatbergs. For instance, he mentioned a fatberg near Terminal Five at Heathrow that was equivalent in size to seven hundred suitcases or five football pitches.
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