The warning comes from trades platform MyBuilder.com, whose plumbers say the run-up to Christmas is prime time for clogged drains, blocked toilets and emergency callouts. And while the advice might sound comical, the consequences can be anything but.
Think before you sink
From roast dinners to creamy liqueurs, many festive favourites fall into the category of FOGs — fats, oils and greases — which can solidify in pipes and contribute to the dreaded “fatbergs” lurking in our sewers.
“FOGs are really problematic for our drains,” said plumber Mike Flook, who’s dealt with everything from gravy blockages to candlewax poured down the plughole.
“Recently I had a customer who poured candlewax down the sink. It set solid inside the trap — and when I removed it, it was literally the shape of a candle again!”
Flook says DIY fixes often make things worse, especially when sink waste kits are taken apart and reassembled incorrectly.
“I’ve seen customers try to unblock sinks themselves and end up causing leaks or damaging the whole system. One ended up needing a full double bowl waste kit replacement.”
Instead of tipping leftovers down the sink, plumbers recommend wrapping them up and binning them — or finding creative ways to reuse them.
If you do accidentally pour a FOG, run hot water for several minutes and add a little soap to help break it down. But avoid chemical drain unblockers, which can damage pipes and rarely work on grease.
