Homes that want to keep costs down this Christmas are being warned to avoid putting food waste down the plughole over the festive period – or they risk encountering a potential drainage nightmare.

The drainage experts at Lanes Group are reminding people across the UK to dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOG) responsibly when cooking and cleaning up after their Christmas dinner, as failing to do so could lead to a costly drain blockage at what is already the most expensive time of the year.

FOG is one of the key causes of blocked drains, as liquid fat or grease that is poured down the sink will cool as it moves through the pipes. It can then congeal and clump together with solid food scraps and non-biodegradable items (such as wet wipes, sanitary products and nappies that have been flushed down toilets) to create stubborn blockages that cannot be shifted without professional help.

Christmas is one of the worst times of year for drain blockages, as millions of homes hosting Christmas dinners dispose of huge quantities of goose and turkey fat, gravy and food scraps down the sink. Not only does this create disruption and a needless expense for householders themselves, but it also contributes to the nationwide problem of fatbergs – huge masses of FOG and household waste that block entire sewers, resulting in widespread flooding and pollution. This also creates the inconvenience of endless sewer repairs and roadworks.

As such, there are a number of easy but important steps that every home can take to keep their drains running clean and clear this Christmas:

Make sure that fat, oil and grease are always disposed of in the bin – NEVER down the drains!
Collect your FOG in an old jar or another disposable container, to make it easier to throw in the bin once it has cooled down
Don’t wash any solid food scraps down the plughole – make sure these are scraped into the bin before washing up
Purchase a sink strainer to place over the plughole and prevent any small pieces of food from washing down the drain accidentally
Ensure that all of your house guests know they should only ever flush the Three Ps – pee, poo and toilet paper – down the toilet. Items like wet wipes and kitchen roll are not designed to break down in the same way as loo roll, and should not be flushed
Jacob Larkin, marketing coordinator at Lanes Group, said: “Everyone wants to have a happy Christmas, and this year especially, people are focused on avoiding unnecessary costs to make the most of their stretched budgets. Looking after your drains may not seem like a top priority, but it really can help you to avoid some festive headaches and expenses that you really don’t need!

“Making a small change to your habits, like pouring your leftover fat and scraps into the bin instead of down the sink, won’t cost you anything, but it can make a big difference in delivering a merrier Christmas – not just for yourself, but also for all the households that rely on a well-functioning sewer system. It’s easy to do your part and keep Britain running properly.”

A recent survey conducted as part of Lanes Group’s pioneering Unblocktober awareness campaign shows just how common these bad drainage habits are:

65% of Brits have poured oil and fat down their kitchen sink at some point
11% said they do this after every cooked meal, while another 11% said they do so three times or more a day on average!
53% have experienced a blocked drain that has required them to call out a plumber or professional
To provide further insight into the potential impact of festive fatbergs and the simple changes we can all make to prevent them, Lanes Group has also created an animation called “The Drains of Christmas Future”. This two-minute twist on the classic tale “A Christmas Carol” tells the story of Ebenezer Sewage, a rich man who has a change of heart about his irresponsible drainage habits one fateful Christmas Eve. Check it out below!

Jacob Larkin added: “Sometimes, all it takes to break a bad habit is a bit of education and commitment. This Christmas, be mindful of what goes down your drains, and make sure your family and house guests do the same. By spreading this message, you can play a big part in helping us to overcome the threat of fatbergs, flooding and pollution throughout 2023 and beyond!”