Brits told do not pour 1 liquid down kitchen drain or face 'home disaster'

A plumbing expert has urged Brits to be careful what they pour down their kitchen drains if they don't want to risk sky-high repair bills. Although it may feel convenient to pour leftover or grease down the sink after making a roast dinner or a fry-up, doing so damages the pipes. Once fat and grease enter your pipes, they begin to cool and harden, clinging to the inside of your plumbing, experts at warn.

Over time, this builds up and leads to blockages, slow drains, foul smells, and even burst pipes, which is the most common cause of emergency callouts, and one of the most avoidable. "People think a bit of hot water will wash it all away," says plumber Joe Barker. "But the truth is, it doesn't go away - it just sticks to your pipes further down. Eventually, it clogs everything up."

Even in small amounts, pouring cooking oil, fat, and grease down the sink leads to a plethora of issues once they cool down. In pipes, this forms a base for hair, food scraps, and soap scum to collect causing major blockages.

"Even pouring hot grease with boiling water doesn't fix it," warns Mr Barker. "You're just moving the problem further down the system or into the public sewer."

To avoid the expensive mistake, experts at My Home Improvements suggest letting the grease cool first, pouring it into a heat-proof container, let it harden, and bin it once solid. Before washing any pans or plates, wipe any oil off with kitchen roll to minimise the risk too.

The buildup of grease and oil goes beyond damaging homes, too. When thousands of homes pour the liquid down the drain, it ends up in public sewers, leading to massive underground blockages known as fatbergs.

These fatbergs cost water companies millions to remove and can cause sewage backups, flooded streets, and environmental damage.

A spokesperson from My Home Improvements says: "Blocked pipes are one of the most avoidable home disasters and yet we see them all the time. It's not just about clearing blockages when they happen, it's about preventing them in the first place.

"Taking a few seconds to dispose of oil properly can save you hundreds in repair costs. We always recommend speaking to a trusted local plumber if you're unsure and our free service helps you compare options quickly, with no pressure."