Don't get battered: Expert warns not to throw pancake mix down the sink

Pancake day is just around the corner, and millions of Brits will be tucking into a delicious batch. Though it's a beloved tradition, an expert is warning that the fun might come unstuck if you throw batter down the sink.

According to an expert from MyBuilder.com, the reliable way to hire tradespeople, pancake batter falls into the category of Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOGs).

FOGs are not suitable to be put down drains, as they clog pipes and lead to blockages, potentially costing hundreds of pounds to resolve. And they aren't just terrible for your drains, but also the nation’s sewers, where they add to the already considerable “fatbergs”. Pancake batter contains oil and flour, which is notorious for sticking to pipes after being poured down the sink.

It’s not just pancake batter that can cause this issue - in fact many common household leftovers can result in the same problem. Cooking fats, cream liqueurs, and even coffee grounds all pose the same risk. However, 48 per cent of Brits admit to pouring these items down the drain when they need to dispose of them.

Common items that can cause an issue include

• Meat fat. Sunday roasts are a firm favourite this time of year, but don’t be tempted to let excess meat fat go down the sink when you clear away. Fats such as these are big contributors to blocked pipes, because they solidify when cooled, as well as adding to fatbergs.
• Cooking fat. A very common cooking product, but it must be disposed of in the waste and not down the sink.
• Gravy. A common meal staple in the UK, but leftovers must be put in the bin as opposed to down the sink. This is because - like pancake batter - it contains both fats and flour.
• Custard. Not an obvious FOG, but custard is also a problem if poured down the sink. The substance can cause a coating on pipes which leads to blockages.
• Candle Wax. Believe it or not, some Brits have poured this down their sink. This creates serious problems, as candle wax hardens if inside your pipes. 
• Baileys. This popular drink has a short shelf life even when refrigerated, so often ends up down the sink. But creamy drinks such as Baileys are classed as a FOG, and can wreak havoc on pipes.

Mike Flook, an expert plumber who works with MyBuilder.com, said that FOGs should never be disposed of down the sink.

“Pancake batter may be delicious, but it's also really problematic for our drains and pipes. FOGs coat your pipes and stick together, eventually resulting in blockages.

“Fixing this is probably going to cost you upwards of £100, depending on the extent of the damage. If the problem results in an emergency call out (which this sort of issue often does) then you’re likely to find yourself paying even more - and it’s such an avoidable problem.

“Should you accidentally pour FOGs down the sink, there are some steps you can take to try and help.”

These steps include:

1. DO Immediately run the hot water. Heat from the water can help to dissolve grease and fats, and keep them in liquid form until they are out of your pipes and in the sewer. Leave the hot water running for several minutes to be safe.
2. DON’T run cold water. This will quickly cause the FOG to solidify, blocking your pipes.
3. DO use dish soap. Adding soap to hot water is a simple and gentle way to help remove the blockages, as it can break down the fats without damaging your pipes.
4. DON’T use chemicals. Drain unblockers are often ineffective against FOGs, and can cause damage to your pipes in the process. A simple plunger can actually be more effective than chemicals.