Households are being urged to pour washing up liquid down outdoor drains connected to the kitchen sink on Monday as a quick way to prevent blockages caused by fat, grease and debris. The tip comes from plumbing and home maintenance firm Maintracts, which says a mixture of washing up liquid and hot water can clear these drains without the need for expensive chemicals.
After several months of heatwaves, the weather has turned more changeable, with Storm Austen and Storm Boelo bringing heavy rain and strong winds across much of the UK over the weekend. According to the Met Office, further rain could hit various parts of the country in the coming days, including heavy rain from Monday to Tuesday.
Why kitchen drains clog up
When heavy rain returns, drains on the side of a house can quickly clog with leaves, twigs and dirt, while food waste down kitchen drains can also block outdoor drains, including fat, grease, rice and bits of food grime.
Maintracts says in its online guidance: “Fat, oil and grease (commonly known as 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 your foul water drain, it hardens and sticks to the pipe walls. Eventually, this sticky mess collects other debris, such as food scraps, soap scum and dirt, creating a solid, immovable blockage.
“This is especially problematic in outdoor drains, which are more exposed to the elements and can easily become a magnet for garden debris, mud and litter, thereby exacerbating the blockage.”
How to unblock drains with washing up liquid
To tackle this, Maintracts advises 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. Ensure to do this slowly to allow the heat and detergent time to work. Repeat the process several times for optimal results,” it adds.
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, a natural drain cleaner such as vinegar and baking soda is better. For the best chance of reducing environmental impact, Maintracts suggests opting for a plant-based washing up liquid that does not contain chemical surfactants.
Preventing future blockages
Once a blockage is cleared, Maintracts recommends steps 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 or dealing with large amounts of food waste, and keep gullies and drain covers clear of leaves, litter and other outdoor debris to prevent surface water buildup.
The Met Office forecast for Monday to Thursday says: "Rain sweeps northeast across the UK, with strengthening winds bringing gales in the west later. After a cold start for some, it will feel increasingly mild from the west." It adds: "Tuesday remains windy with rain in the north at first. Sunshine and showers follow Wednesday. Thursday brings a quieter spell for many, before rain edges into the far northwest later."
