Pouring turkey fat and gravy down the drain risks Christmas fatbergs
Tipping fat from a festive turkey, gravy or coffee grounds down the sink can lead to “fatbergs” and blockages, experts have warned.
With all the accoutrements of a Christmas dinner and delicate logistics regarding family dynamics it can be easy to forget that cooking oils create real plumbing issues if not disposed of properly.
Southern Water says there is a 10 per cent chance of a fatberg blockage if cooking juices are tipped down the kitchen sink.
The fat can congeal and solidify in pipes and cause a complete blockage, ruining the festive mood as well as posing health risks.
“As communities gather to celebrate Christmas, New Year, Buddhism’s Bodhi Day and Jewish Hanukkah, don’t be the party pooper and cause a blockage that could affect your neighbours too,” Southern Water said.
Risk of disease
“This could lead to flooding and there is also the risk of contamination, since grease sludge can harbour bacteria that causes disease.”
The South East has had more than 122,000 blockages from fatbergs in the past five years, more than 60 a day, the water company said.
It is believed that thousands of tons of fat and oil will make their way into the water network via improper disposal, with 250 tons of fatty waste added to the water system for every one million cooked turkeys.
Experts say that any fats from cooking should be poured into containers and left to cool before the solidified mass is thrown in the bin.
Flushed with success
The three P approach should be followed whenever possible, with paper, pee and poo the only things being fit to flush.
Footballs, Christmas lights, cutlery and T-shirts have all been found in the water system after being inappropriately flushed away.
Plumbworld, a plumbing supplier, said turkey fat is the number one culprit for sink blockages, with other foods also posing issues.
Cooking oil and coffee grounds were the second and third worst offenders, respectively, with cranberry sauce and bones also in the top ten.
A spokesperson from Plumbworld told The Telegraph: “While these items might seem harmless, they collectively contribute to the vast majority of holiday plumbing issues.
“It’s not just the inconvenience but also the unexpected expense and stress that can disrupt your festive celebrations.
“Taking a moment to think about where to dispose of kitchen waste can prevent the common, yet distressing, holiday plumbing disasters. For example, instead of pouring fats and oils down the drain, cool them and scrape the solidified waste into the trash.
“Educate your household on the importance of keeping fibrous and starchy waste out of the sink; simple changes like this can have a substantial impact.
“By being mindful of what goes down your drain and taking proactive steps to dispose of waste correctly, you can ensure that your home remains a place of comfort and festivity throughout the season.”
