10 December 2023 , 11:59
1168
0
With all the bits of food and debris that inadvertently end up in the kitchen sink, it's no wonder that sometimes you need to unblock it - and an expert has shared the best way to.
Many other things end up in the kitchen sink that shouldn't, including oils and fats - and according to Peter Clayton, from Trade Plumbing, it's these pesky liquids that can cause a real issue because "when it comes into contact with cold pipes, it will instantly solidify on the surface." So it may seem like no biggie to get rid of your oil down the drain when you've fried your bacon - but in actual reality, it can prove nightmarish for your pipes.
Peter explained that "when fat enters drains, it solidifies and becomes stuck to the inside of pipes", meaning chaos can ensue because food debris sticks to the "collected fat creating a blockage in the drain."
This means that it's "important to never dispose of fats and oils down your kitchen sink." 'What should I do then?', you may ask. Well, it may not seem like the most logical step to take, but Peter has urged people to "ensure they are placed in a sealed container, or bag, and discarded in general waste." You can allow the fat to cool, and then wipe it out of the frying pan, for example - and pop it in the bin.
He did share that if you've blocked your drain by pouring water down it, you may be able to sort it out without a plumber's assistance. He shared: "Pouring a mixture of boiling water and washing up liquid down your drain is an easy and effective solution for blocked pipes." This is because the boiling water helps to clean up any debris, and the washing-up liquid banishes the grease.
Cleaning guru shares why you shouldn't make your bed first thing in the morning
Another option is to use a plunger, which may be an old-fashioned method, but it's tried and tested. Clayton recommends that you fill the sink with water and then place the plunger over the opening of the drain. "Push up and down on the plunger for 30 seconds and release", Clayton instructed. He shared that this method will take patience, however.