Expert Urges Caution on Disposing of Leftover Alcohol After Festivities

Households are being cautioned against the common practice of pouring leftover festive drinks down the sink. This warning comes as many begin cleaning up after the Christmas celebrations, with experts indicating that such actions could lead to blocked pipes and expensive plumbing emergencies before the New Year.

Ankit Sehgal, a drainage specialist and owner of Swiftdrain, highlights that the period between Christmas and New Year is particularly busy for emergency plumbing call-outs. These emergencies often arise from well-meaning yet harmful disposal methods. Drinks like creamy liqueurs, including Baileys and advocaat, along with leftover cooking fats and gravies, are among the worst offenders.

“People assume that if something is liquid, it’s safe to pour down the sink, but plumbing doesn’t work like that,” Mr. Sehgal explained. He emphasized that cream-based beverages and cooking fats behave differently when they enter plumbing systems. As they cool, they cling to the insides of pipes, leading to gradual blockages over time.

Mr. Sehgal categorized drinks containing dairy as falling within the realm of fats, oils, and grease—collectively known in the plumbing industry as FOG. These substances do not simply wash away with water; rather, they adhere to the walls of pipes, narrowing them until water can no longer flow freely.

The festive season exacerbates these issues, with multiple risky items often disposed of simultaneously. “At Christmas, people are tipping away creamy drinks, turkey fat, gravy, melted butter, and roasting juices in a short space of time,” he said. “Individually, they may not seem like much, but together, they can cause serious issues.”

Cold winter temperatures compound the problem, as fats solidify more quickly in chilled pipes. This can lead to sudden blockages, resulting in sinks backing up, toilets malfunctioning, or even external drains overflowing. “It’s incredibly frustrating, especially when plumbers are harder to book and emergency visits cost more,” Mr. Sehgal noted.

Kitchen blockages can extend their effects to the broader plumbing system. “People are often shocked when a kitchen issue causes problems with toilets or outdoor drains, but everything is connected. Once a blockage forms, it doesn’t stay in one place,” he explained. He likened household blockages to larger fatbergs found in public sewers, which are formed when fats combine with other waste and harden over time.

If fats or creamy drinks are accidentally poured down the sink, Mr. Sehgal recommends taking immediate action by running hot water and adding washing-up liquid. This can help keep the substances moving. He warns against using cold water or chemical drain cleaners, as these can worsen the problem or damage pipes.

“The safest option is prevention,” he advised. “Creamy drinks should be sealed and discarded in the bin, while cooking fats should be allowed to cool before being scraped into a container. It’s far easier than dealing with a plumbing disaster.”

As households prepare for the New Year, taking these precautions can save time, money, and unnecessary frustration.