There’s a good reason to do this quick task this week
Following a scorching May Bank Holiday, June has so far proved to be a bit of a washout, with persistent heavy rainfall and even thunderstorm warnings issued by the Met Office over the past week.
Some parts of the UK have endured non-stop rain for over a day, with further downpours expected before the warm weather finally makes a comeback.
When conditions turn extremely wet, particularly when large amounts of rain fall in a short space of time, your drains are put under serious pressure — and they don’t always cope. In such weather, exterior drains can rapidly become blocked with leaves, twigs and general debris, while food waste, fat, grease, rice and food residue can also cause outdoor kitchen drains to block up.
Fortunately, there is one quick and simple fix to get a blocked kitchen drain flowing freely again — ideal if you have some free time over Bank Holiday Monday. And the good news is you won’t need any costly chemicals; experts say a standard bottle of washing up liquid is all that’s required. According to plumbing and home maintenance specialists Maintracts, outdoor drains connected to the kitchen sink — and only these — can be cleared swiftly using nothing more than washing up liquid and hot water.
Crucially, this tip applies solely to drains linked to the kitchen sink — avoid pouring it down any drain used purely for rainwater from the roof, as chemical-based washing up liquid is harmful to waterways and can be deadly to wildlife. For those drains, a natural alternative such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda is far more suitable, reports the Express.
To minimise environmental impact as much as possible, opt for a plant-based washing up liquid that is free from chemical surfactants.
Maintracts advises 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.”
To address this, simply combine washing up liquid with hot water and get to work. They added: “One of the simplest ways to unblock outside drain blockages caused by fat is to pour 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.”
Once the blockage has been cleared, there are measures you can take to prevent it from recurring.
Maintracts added: “Here’s how to keep your drains clear and flowing:
- Never pour fat or grease down the sink.
- Wipe plates and pans before washing to reduce the amount of residue going down the drain.
- Use strainers in your sinks to catch solid particles before they enter the system.
- Install a grease trap if you cook frequently or deal with large amounts of food waste.
- Keep gullies and drain covers clear of leaves, litter, and other outdoor debris to prevent surface water build-up.”