Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online, one of the UK’s largest catering suppliers, said: “Certain foods can cause major blockages and if not treated properly, can cause your sink to be out of action.
“Whether you’re a novice wanting to get into cooking, or have spent your entire life in the kitchen, here are the foods you must avoid pouring down the sink and how to properly dispose of them.”
1. Cooking oil and grease
When oils and grease are poured down the sink, they can solidify and stick to the inside of the pipes.
Over time, this can lead to blockages and reduce water flow.
According to the expert, fats, oils and grease can combine with other foods in the pipes to create the “worse clogs” and may result in “costly repairs”.
Instead, allow the liquid to cool and solidify in a container before disposing of it in the bin.
2. Rice, pasta and oats
The expert explained: “Rice, pasta and oats are starchy foods that absorb water and swell when in the plumbing of the sink.
“These foods can also create a sticky mass that adheres to the inside of the pipes, causing a build-up of other food debris.
“It’s best to put these food leftovers in the bin but you can also use a small amount of rice, pasta or oats as compost.
“Using these foods helps enrich your soil as they are organic and have a high nutrient value.”
3. Coffee grounds
It can be tempting to pour coffee grounds down the sink in the hope they’ll dissolve with water.
However, according to Rachael, they can accumulate and create a sludge-like texture in the pipes.
Thankfully there are many ways to dispose of coffee grounds, including in compost or sprinkling them in the garden to act as a natural fertiliser.
4. Eggshells
Rachael continued: “While some people think that putting eggshells down the sink is beneficial, it can cause damage.
“When crushed, eggshells break down into small, gritty particles and these particles can accumulate in the pipes.
“When combined with other food remnants, it can create a sludge-like material that can lead to clogs in the plumbing.”
Eggshells can be used to deter pests in the garden, or they can be used to start off seedlings too.
5. Dairy products
Dairy products are often rich in fats and proteins so when they are poured down the sink, they can solidify and cause clogs.
According to the expert, products such as milk, yoghurt and cheese can also spoil and produce unpleasant odours when trapped in the pipes.
Instead, dispose of any dairy products in the bin, or consider freezing them to consume at a later date.
