Expert Warns Against Pouring Leftover Alcohol Down the Drain

Households clearing up after the festive season face potential plumbing disasters if they pour leftover alcoholic beverages down the sink. Ankit Sehgal, a pipe and drainage specialist and owner of Swiftdrain, warns that this common practice can lead to blocked pipes and costly plumbing emergencies just as the New Year approaches.

The period between Christmas and New Year is notably busy for emergency plumbing services. According to Mr. Sehgal, many issues arise from well-meaning but damaging disposal habits. Creamy liqueurs, such as Baileys and advocaat, along with leftover cooking fat and gravy, are among the most problematic substances.

“People assume that if something is liquid, it’s safe to pour down the sink, but plumbing doesn’t work like that,” Mr. Sehgal explained. “Cream-based drinks and cooking fats behave very differently once they enter your pipes. They cool, cling to the sides, and eventually lead to blockages.”

He further clarified that drinks containing dairy fall into the category of fats, oils, and grease, commonly referred to in the plumbing industry as FOG. These substances do not simply wash away with water; instead, they adhere to the walls of pipes, gradually narrowing them until water can no longer flow freely.

The festive season exacerbates the issue, as households often dispose of multiple risky items in quick succession. Mr. Sehgal noted, “At Christmas, people are tipping away creamy drinks, turkey fat, gravy, melted butter, and roasting juices within a short space of time. Individually, they may not seem like much, but together they can cause serious issues.”

The cold winter temperatures further complicate the situation. Fats solidify more quickly in chilled pipes, leading to sudden blockages that can cause sinks to back up, toilets to malfunction, or even external drains to overflow. “It’s incredibly frustrating, especially when plumbers are harder to book and emergency visits cost more,” he added.

Mr. Sehgal highlighted that kitchen blockages can also have wider repercussions for the plumbing system. “People are often shocked when a kitchen issue causes problems with toilets or outdoor drains, but everything is connected. Once a blockage forms, it doesn’t stay in one place.”

He likened household blockages to larger fatbergs found in public sewers, which are formed when fats combine with other waste and harden over time. To mitigate the risk of blockages, Mr. Sehgal advises homeowners to act quickly if fats or creamy drinks are accidentally poured down the sink. Running hot water and adding washing-up liquid can help keep substances moving, but he warns against using cold water or chemical drain cleaners, which can exacerbate the issue or damage pipes.

“The safest option is prevention,” he said. “Creamy drinks should be sealed and thrown in the bin, while cooking fats should be allowed to cool before being scraped into a container. It’s far easier than dealing with a plumbing disaster.”

As households prepare for the festive clean-up, being mindful of what goes down the sink can save time, money, and the hassle of emergency plumbing repairs.