A leading plumber has issued a stark warning to households across the UK: a popular temporary fix for blocked drains is actually causing more harm than good. With the post-Christmas period being one of the busiest for emergency call-outs, the mistake is proving costly for many.
Why Boiling Water is a Bad Idea
Ankit Sehgal, who runs the drainage company Swiftdrain, explains that the instinct to pour boiling water down a sluggish plughole is fundamentally flawed. People assume the hot water will melt fat and grease, but the reality is very different.
"In reality, it often pushes the problem deeper into the pipework and damages the pipes at the same time," Sehgal states. When the water cools further along the system, the liquefied grease solidifies again, creating a thicker, more stubborn blockage that is harder to reach and remove.
"Each time you do it, you're layering more fat further down. Eventually, the pipe becomes almost completely blocked," he adds.
The Hidden Danger to Your Pipes
The problem is exacerbated in countless British homes which feature plastic piping, particularly under kitchen sinks. Scalding water can soften these plastic pipes, weakening their joints and potentially causing small, unnoticed leaks.
"Those leaks often go unnoticed until serious damage has occurred," warns Sehgal. This means what starts as a simple attempt to clear a slow drain could lead to significant structural water damage over time.
The Correct Way to Handle Blocked Drains
To safeguard your home, the expert's primary advice is prevention. Never pour cooking grease or fat down the drain, and scrape plates thoroughly before rinsing.
If you face a slow-draining sink, his recommended method is simple:
- Stop using the sink immediately to prevent the blockage from growing.
- Use a mixture of warm (not boiling) water and a small amount of washing-up liquid to help break down grease.
However, Sehgal emphasises that certain signs indicate it's time to call a professional. These include persistent slow drainage, gurgling noises, or unpleasant odours coming from the plughole. "Once these warning signs appear, there's not much you can do at home to properly fix them," he concludes.
