Households across the UK are being urged to pour washing up liquid down their kitchen drains this Sunday as a quick and easy way to prevent blockages. The advice comes from plumbing and home maintenance firm Maintracts, which says a simple mixture of washing up liquid and hot water can clear outdoor drains connected to the kitchen sink.
How the Trick Works
According to Maintracts, fat, oil and grease (FOG) are among the biggest culprits behind blocked gullies and outside drains. When hot grease is poured down the sink, it may seem harmless, but as it cools in the foul water drain, it hardens and sticks to the pipe walls. This sticky mess then collects other debris, such as food scraps, soap scum and dirt, creating a solid, immovable blockage.
To tackle this, Maintracts recommends pouring boiling water mixed with a generous amount of washing-up liquid into the drain. The boiling water helps melt the fat, while the soap breaks it down, making it easier to flush away. They advise doing this slowly to allow the heat and detergent time to work, and repeating the process several times for optimal results.
Important Warning
However, this tip is only for drains connected to the kitchen sink. It should not be poured down a drain that is just for rainwater, as chemical-based washing up liquid is bad for watercourses and can kill wildlife. For those drains, it is better to use a natural drain cleaner such as vinegar and baking soda. To reduce environmental impact, opt for a plant-based washing up liquid that does not contain chemical surfactants.
Preventing Future Blockages
Once the blockage is cleared, Maintracts suggests several ways to keep drains clear and flowing: never pour fat or grease down the sink, wipe plates and pans before washing to reduce residue, use strainers in sinks to catch solid particles, install a grease trap if cooking frequently, and keep gullies and drain covers clear of leaves and debris.
