Most people know that pouring cooking oil down the drain can lead to blockages and costly plumbing repairs. However, experts have identified another unexpected household item that is often overlooked: beer. Consumer champions at Which? warn that beer could cause problems if regularly poured down the sink.
Beer and Drain Buildup
While pouring beer down the drain occasionally is not as harmful as tipping oil, doing so regularly may lead to issues over time. Which? explains: "Pouring beer down the sink occasionally and in small amounts is generally harmless. However, avoid disposing of large quantities regularly. This could lead to potential issues like clogging or bad odours over time, because beer contains sugars, yeast, and other organic matter that can build up."
Cream Liqueurs and FOG
Beer is not the only alcoholic drink that can spell trouble for drains. Fans of cream liqueurs should also be cautious. Experts at SAGE note: "Cream liqueurs have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years. These creamy alcoholic drinks are flavoured with everything from mango and strawberry to espresso and salted caramel." However, regardless of flavouring, they are all classed as FOG—fats, oils, and grease—which can wreak havoc on pipes. FOG is described as a "plumber's worst nightmare" and also includes gravy, ice cream, cream, cooking oils, salad dressings, butter, and lard.
Tuna Brine and Fatbergs
It is not just drinks that damage drains; even liquid from tuna tins can cause problems. On June 26, speaking on Morning Live, BBC DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles warned about unexpected causes of fatbergs. He urged people not to pour tuna brine or oil down the sink. While tuna brine is mostly water and salt, leftover fish oil and tiny food scraps can build up in pipes. Over time, they mix with grease and soap, leading to stubborn blockages or fatbergs. Knowles said: "Don't pour your oils down the sink. I mean, most people know not to pour oils down your sink in the bathroom or in your kitchen now. But actually, most of us will drain a tin of tuna into the sink. With the oil that's in a tin of tuna, or maybe the fat from an air fryer, or coffee grounds, all these things, add to create a block." Instead, he advises scraping it into a disposable container, such as a baked bean tin, and disposing of it in the bin.
Signs of a Blocked Sink
Spencer Darley of Which? Trusted Trader company Drain Jet Yorkshire identifies three key signs that a drain might be getting clogged. First, unpleasant odours resembling rotten food, stale or musty smells, or sewage-like odours may appear early on, as trapped debris decomposes or stagnant water allows bacteria to grow. Second, a glugging sound indicates air trapped in pipes struggling to escape as water flows past. Darley says: "The glugging is the sound of the airflow getting more and more restricted." Third, water draining more slowly is a sign that if the issue is not tackled, water may eventually stop flowing altogether.
