Festive revellers enjoying a glass of Baileys Irish Cream this Christmas have been issued a stark warning from plumbing experts about a common post-celebration mistake that could lead to costly repairs.
The Festive Favourite That Clogs Pipes
The rich, creamy liqueur is a staple in many UK homes over the holidays, often sipped neat or added to hot chocolate. However, its indulgent texture is precisely what makes it a problem for household plumbing systems once the party is over.
An opened bottle of Baileys has a shelf-life of approximately six months, leading some to pour unfinished portions down the kitchen sink. Plumbing professionals stress this is a significant error.
Why Fats, Oils and Grease Cause 'Fatbergs'
According to experts, food and drink items containing fats, oils and greases – known as FOGs – should never be disposed of via the sink. This category includes creamy liqueurs like Baileys, as well as gravy, cooking fats, and oils.
When poured away, these substances cool and solidify inside pipes, sticking to the walls and accumulating over time. This build-up can create major blockages in household drains and even contribute to larger 'fatbergs' in the public sewer network.
Plumber Mike Flook, from MyBuilder.com, explained the scale of the issue. "FOGs are really problematic for our drains. And it's not a problem that's easy to solve without a professional," he said.
The Costly Consequences of DIY Drain Disasters
Mr Flook highlighted that well-intentioned attempts to fix blockages can often make matters worse. "Some sink waste kits can be a bit like a jigsaw, and I've come across many situations where customers have attempted to unblock a sink themselves and then ended up putting the washers back in different places, which then causes a leak," he noted.
He recounted one job where a customer caused unnecessary damage, necessitating the replacement of an entire double bowl waste kit. In another memorable case, a customer poured candle wax down a sink, which set solid in the trap. "When it was taken out, it was actually the shape of a candle again! You could've literally reused it!" he said.
The Safe Disposal Solution
The advice from professionals is clear: prevention is always better than cure. "It's always best to err on the side of caution," advised Mr Flook. "If you think a product might be a FOG, do your best to avoid wastage – and if that's not possible, wrap up the excess product and pop it in the bin."
What to Do If You Make a Mistake
If you accidentally pour a FOG like Baileys down the drain, immediate action can help mitigate the damage:
- Run hot water immediately: The heat can help dissolve grease and fats, keeping them liquid long enough to move through your pipes and into the sewer. Leave the hot water running for several minutes.
- Use soap and hot water: Adding washing-up liquid to hot water is a gentle, effective way to help break down fats without damaging pipework.
- Avoid chemical drain unblockers: These are often ineffective against FOGs and can corrode your pipes. A simple plunger can be more effective and less damaging.
By disposing of festive leftovers thoughtfully, you can enjoy the season's treats without facing an unwelcome and expensive plumbing emergency in the New Year.
