Millions of households routinely place oily dishes directly into the dishwasher, unaware of the potential harm caused by certain liquids. Experts caution against pouring cooking oils, grease, salad dressings, and oil-based sauces into the dishwasher, as these substances can accumulate in household pipes over time, leading to plumbing issues and costly repairs.
According to Home Serve, warm fats, oils, and grease can solidify in pipes, causing blockages as they trap food particles and debris. The accumulation of grease from various sources like roasting tins, frying pans, and marinades can exacerbate this problem.
To prevent pipe blockages, experts recommend wiping greasy items with kitchen roll before dishwashing and disposing of leftover oil in a separate container. Water UK warns that fats, oils, and grease are major contributors to sewer blockages, forming fatbergs that are expensive to clear each year.
Thames Water highlights the negative impact of pouring grease down drains, emphasizing that it can solidify and cause blockages. Additionally, plumbing specialists advise against disposing of coffee grounds, flour, rice, and pasta down the drain to avoid domestic pipe blockages.
Taking a few extra moments to properly handle greasy substances before loading the dishwasher can help households avoid unnecessary expenses on plumbing repairs.