UK residents are being cautioned against pouring specific types of alcohol down their kitchen sinks. As summer approaches and many individuals prepare to unwind with their favorite beverages, experts are advising caution, especially when it comes to cream liqueurs. These creamy alcoholic drinks, which come in various flavors such as mango, strawberry, espresso, and salted caramel, fall under the category of FOG (fats, oils, and grease) and can potentially cause significant damage to pipes.
According to experts at SAGE, pouring cream liqueurs or other FOG substances like gravy, ice cream, cooking oils, salad dressings, butter, and lard down the sink can lead to blocked pipes and the formation of fatbergs, which are solid blockages in sewer systems. Thames Water reports that in London alone, over 100 tonnes of fat are disposed of through sinks daily, resulting in more than 100,000 blockages annually, with solidified fat being responsible for over half of these blockages.
Thames Water also highlights the financial implications of such blockages, emphasizing that homeowners are legally responsible for fixing any pipe blockages, which can cost upwards of £200 for a plumber’s services. Moreover, it is not just cream liqueurs that pose a risk; even seemingly harmless items like tuna can contribute to plumbing issues. DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles recently warned against pouring tuna brine or oil down the sink, as these substances can combine with soap residue and lead to serious plumbing blockages or fatberg formation.
To avoid such problems, Nick advises individuals to collect oils and fats in a disposable container, such as a tin can, before disposing of them in the trash. Taking these simple precautions can help prevent costly and inconvenient plumbing issues in the long run.