Homeowners advised against pouring sauce down sink drains

Homeowners are urged not to tip leftover sauces down the kitchen sink to prevent blockages. Households that pour fats, oils, and grease down the drain can create serious issues. To keep pipes clear, homeowners should dispose of any unused oils or sauces in the bin, according to a water company.

Severn Trent’s website explains that these food items are common culprits behind costly blockages. The experts said that fats, oils, and grease can “cause big problems.” The water company added that items such as leftover food and coffee grounds can also cause problems.

On the bright side, the experts shared detailed advice to help Brits. The guidance said: “Scrape pots, pans and plates before washing up or putting them in the dishwasher. Use kitchen roll to wipe grease from your pans, plates and air fryers.

“Use a strainer in your kitchen sink to catch leftover food. Collect used oil, leftover sauce and coffee grounds and throw them in the bin.” By following the steps, homeowners can help prevent blockages and keep everything running smoothly.

Severn Trent warned homeowners to be careful with their bathroom drains, too. The advice said: “Only ever flush the 3P’s: pee, poo and (toilet) paper. Bag sanitary towels, tampons and colostomy bags then bin them. Bin wipes to avoid blocked drains, even the ones that are labelled “flushable”.

“Use a bin for nappies, incontinence pads, razors, cotton buds and dental floss.” The company added: “Be a binner, not a blocker. Protect your home from costly blockages and flooding.”

According to Gov.uk, wet wipes containing plastic are a growing source of pollution. The UK is phasing out single-use wet wipes containing plastic. The ban on selling these wipes takes effect first in Wales on December 18, 2026. This will be followed by Northern Ireland on May 18, 2027, and England on May 19, 2027. Scotland will also enforce the ban, starting August 11, 2027, reports the Mirror.

Gov.uk said: “Wet wipes containing plastic are a growing source of pollution, with a recent survey showing an average of 20 wet wipes littering every 100 metres of beach across the UK*. When flushed, they can break down into microplastics that poison wildlife and enter the food chain.

“The ban follows overwhelming public support with 95% of respondents to the government consultation agreeing with the proposals. While the new law targets wipes containing plastic, all wet wipes contribute to blockages and pollution when flushed.

“UK Water Industry Research found that wet wipes contribute to 94% of sewer blockages, which cost water companies around £200 million to fix each year – a cost that is ultimately passed onto households through their water bills.

“The public can take action now by ensuring that any wet wipes, even if they are labelled as flushable, are put in the bin rather than flushed away, to reduce costly blockages and safeguard nature.”