As the festive countdown begins, households across the UK are being urged to heed a crucial piece of advice that could prevent a messy and expensive post-Christmas disaster. The warning centres on a common mistake made when preparing the traditional Christmas turkey.
The Costly Festive Plumbing Mistake
Specialists from the home emergency service provider, HomeServe, have issued a stark alert to anyone cooking a turkey this December. The peril lies not in the cooking itself, but in the aftermath, when a roasting tin is left full of grease and fat.
Pouring this leftover fat down the kitchen sink is a serious error, one that can lead to severe drain blockages. Data from HomeServe reveals a telling trend: emergency plumbing call-outs surge by a significant 23 per cent in January compared to typical months. Experts believe this post-festive spike is directly linked to the improper disposal of cooking oils and fats during the Christmas period.
Why Turkey Fat Wreaks Havoc on Your Pipes
Liam Sharkey, a plumbing and water supply engineer, explains the science behind the blockage. "Pouring fat down the drain might seem an easy option, but it can wreak havoc with your pipes," he states.
"Christmas is a time we tend to cook more hearty and fatty food, so it's important to be extra vigilant when disposing of food waste such as meat juices. If they are poured down the plughole, they will solidify and risk leading to a blockage."
Once cooled, the liquid fat congeals into a solid mass inside pipes, catching other debris and eventually causing a complete stoppage. The result is often a foul-smelling, malfunctioning sink and a potentially hefty bill for a professional plumber—an unwelcome expense in January when finances are already stretched for many families.
How to Dispose of Cooking Fat Properly and Tackle Blockages
To avoid a festive plumbing emergency, follow this simple, cost-effective method for disposal:
- After cooking, allow the leftover grease or oil in your roasting tin to cool and solidify completely.
- Scrape the solid fat into an old, sealable plastic container, such as an empty margarine tub or yoghurt pot.
- Once the container is full, seal it and place it in your regular household rubbish bin.
This prevents the fat from ever entering your drainage system. However, if you suspect a blockage is already forming, a key warning sign is a nasty odour emanating from the plughole.
For a minor blockage, you can attempt a DIY remedy using common household items:
- Pour a large cup of bicarbonate of soda directly down the plughole.
- Follow immediately with a cup of white vinegar.
- Allow the mixture to fizz and work for at least 20 minutes.
- Finally, flush the drain with a full kettle of boiling water.
Performing this simple maintenance weekly can help prevent build-ups and keep your kitchen sink clear and fresh-smelling throughout the festive season and beyond. By taking a moment to dispose of turkey fat correctly, you can ensure your holiday is remembered for joy, not for plumbing woes.
