UK households are being advised against disposing of certain types of alcohol down their kitchen sinks. As the summer season approaches and people plan to unwind with their favorite drinks, caution is advised, especially when it comes to cream liqueurs. These creamy alcoholic beverages, available in various flavors like mango, strawberry, espresso, and salted caramel, fall under the category of FOG (fats, oils, and grease), posing a risk to plumbing systems.
According to experts at SAGE, dumping cream liqueurs or other FOG substances like gravy, ice cream, cooking oils, salad dressings, butter, and lard down the sink can lead to clogged pipes and the formation of fatbergs, which are solid blockages in sewage systems. Thames Water reports that over 100 tonnes of fat are discharged into London’s sinks daily, resulting in more than 100,000 blockages annually, with solidified fat accounting for over half of these issues.
It’s essential to be mindful even when disposing of seemingly harmless items like tuna, as they can also contribute to plumbing problems. DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles recently cautioned against pouring tuna brine or oil down the sink, emphasizing the potential for these substances to combine with soap residue and cause blockages. He recommended collecting such waste in a disposable container before discarding it in the trash to prevent plumbing complications.
Taking proactive steps to properly dispose of FOG substances and being mindful of what goes down the drain can help prevent costly plumbing repairs and maintain the integrity of household pipes.