I'm a plumber - this kitchen mistake could cost you hundreds to repair

You may believe your kitchen drain is invincible, but nothing could be farther from the truth.

According to bathroom and kitchen experts Plumbworld, there's one common habit behind approximately 80% of kitchen drain blockages.

Disposing of cooking fat, oil, or grease down the sink while it's still hot might appear innocuous, yet this practice stealthily sets the stage for plumbing woes, potentially racking up repair costs worth hundreds of pounds for households.

London-based professional plumber James Clarkson, aged 44, boasts over 15 years of experience in both domestic and commercial plumbing. With a history of working on high-profile restoration projects, he now dedicates his expertise to guiding UK residents on how to sidestep expensive repairs with smarter daily practices.

James shares: "You'd be surprised how many callouts are caused by the same simple mistake. Pouring oil or grease down the kitchen sink is one of the worst things you can do to your drains - and it's easily avoidable."

Hot fat, oil, and grease, collectively known as FOG, may flow freely when heated, but they rapidly cool and congeal within pipes. As they solidify, they adhere to pipe interiors, ensnaring other waste such as food scraps, soap, and coffee grounds.

This accumulation eventually forms a formidable obstruction, akin to the notorious fatbergs that wreak havoc in public sewage systems. In the confines of your home, this can lead to sluggish drainage, unpleasant odours, and ultimately, complete blockages demanding expert intervention.

Plumbworld warns: "Grease may vanish down the plughole, but it's just relocating to a hidden corner of your pipework - where it's causing damage you can't see."

Signs of clogging

- Water draining slowly from the kitchen sink.

- Gurgling sounds post-drainage.

- Persistent foul odours despite cleaning.

- Water backup or standing water after use.

These symptoms could indicate a grease accumulation deep within your pipes.

How to properly dispose of fat and grease

- Cool it in a container: Pour leftover oil or fat into a tin, jar, or heatproof container and let it solidify.

- Wipe pans with kitchen paper: Use paper towels to remove grease before rinsing and dispose of them in the bin.

- Employ a sink strainer: Prevent food scraps from going down the drain.

- Don't trust hot water: Hot water doesn't dissolve old grease; it merely shoves it further down the system.

James emphasises: "Even small amounts add up. A teaspoon here, a tablespoon there - over time, it's enough to block a whole kitchen drain."

A costly mistake

Professional drain unblocking services can range from £80 to £200 per call-out, depending on the severity of the blockage and if special equipment is required. In extreme cases, replacing pipes might be necessary, which can run into the hundreds or thousands.

By avoiding this frequent blunder, households could save an estimated £100-£300 annually on potential plumbing expenses.

Lucy Hammond, 39, from Nottingham, has candidly shared her cautionary tale: "I'd been pouring leftover oil down the sink for years without thinking. Just before Christmas, the sink stopped draining properly - water backed up and the smell was awful. The plumber found a thick layer of grease in the pipework. It cost me nearly £180 to sort it out, and I've changed my habits completely since then."

She's now adopted a new routine, keeping an old coffee jar beside the induction hob to collect excess fat, and proudly reports that her sink has remained unblocked.

Plumbworld reinforces this advice, stating: "Preventing kitchen drain blockages often comes down to one thing: don't pour grease down the sink. It's a habit that costs nothing to change - but could save you a fortune in plumbing repairs."