Christmas shoppers excitedly opening their new bottles of Baileys should be aware of a costly mistake that could put a downer on the festive season. The Irish cream liqueur is a staple across many households, but with the 1L bottle sometimes being too much for people to finish off, many throw the dregs down the drain. Unlike other alcoholic drinks, the cream-based beverage spoils after six months once opened. However, this common disposal method could be hugely costly, as plumbers have warned that Baileys is one of the most common causes of drain blockages, leading to expensive callouts, especially during the Christmas break.
Plumber Mike Flook highlighted that other festive staples like coffee and creamy drinks can also cause common drainage issues. It is crucial to avoid pouring liquids like gravy, turkey fat, and Baileys down the sink due to their classification as fat, oil, and grease (FOG), which can stick to pipes and create blockages known as “fatbergs” in sewer systems. In fact, half the population admits to pouring FOG down the drain, leading to potential plumbing problems. Emergency callouts for blocked drains can be four times as expensive as regular ones, making it even more crucial to be cautious about what goes down the sink, especially during the holiday season when plumbers may be harder to come by.
To prevent or address blockages caused by pouring the wrong items down the drain, MyBuilder.com offers some helpful tips. Running hot water can help dissolve grease and fats, keeping them liquid until they are out of your pipes. It is important not to pour cold water down the sink as this can cause fats and oils to solidify, leading to blockages. Adding dish soap to the hot water can help remove blockages without damaging the pipes. It is recommended not to use chemicals as drain unblockers, as they are often ineffective against FOGs and can cause pipe damage; using a plunger is a more effective and gentle alternative.
Costco has recently reduced the price of the 1L bottle of Baileys to under £10, making it cheaper than other retailers like Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Asda. However, festive party-goers should also be aware of the dangers of flushing items like cotton balls, makeup wipes, and pads down the toilet, as these items account for 93 percent of blockages in sewers. MyBuilder.com advises hosts to provide a bin for guests and educate them on not flushing such items to avoid potential plumbing issues. Taking measures to prevent blockages during the holiday season can help avoid costly emergency callouts and ensure that the festive season remains merry and bright.
In conclusion, being mindful of what goes down the drain, especially during the holiday season, can prevent costly plumbing issues and blockages. Avoid pouring liquid fats, oils, and grease down the sink, as they can solidify and cause blockages in the pipes. Additionally, be cautious about flushing items like makeup wipes and cotton balls down the toilet, as these can lead to sewer blockages. Taking proactive steps, such as running hot water, using dish soap, and avoiding chemicals, can help maintain the plumbing system and prevent emergency callouts during the festive period. By following these tips, Christmas shoppers and party-goers can enjoy a worry-free holiday season without the hassle of plumbing problems.
