5 hours Ago By Milad Sherzad
EXPERTS have issued an urgent warning over a major mistake everyone makes on Pancake Day.Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, sees millions of Brits make the sweet treats each and every year.GettyExperts have warned against pouring pancake batter down the drain as it could block your pipes[/caption]However, experts have warned that a simple mistake could leave you with a nasty plumbing bill.
Specialists from tradespeople hiring site MyBuilder.com have said that pancake batter should not be poured down the sink at all costs.This is because it falls into the category of Fats, Oils, and Greases, or FOGs.
These substances are not just terrible for your drains but can also be damaging to the nation’s sewers as they add to ever-growing “fatbergs“, the experts warned.Pancake batter contains a mixture of oil and flour, which is notorious for sticking to pipes after being poured down the sink.This can easily lead to blockages which require a plumber to resolve, which could leave you footing a bill that’s potentially hundreds of pounds.
On top of this, if your blocked sink turns into an emergency call out, your bill will be even higher.The experts warned that it’s not just pancake batter that can cause these issues as many common household leftovers can also create blockages.They advise avoiding sending cooking fats, cream liqueurs, and even coffee grounds down the plughole as they could all pose a risk of clogging your drains.
These concerns come as half of Brits admitted to pouring these items down the drain when they need to get rid of them. Other items that can cause issues include: meat fat, cooking fat, gravy, custard, and Baileys.The experts have said you should instead put these products in the bin as these FOGs can clog your pipes and potentially leave you with an unwanted bill.
Mike Flook, an expert plumber who works with MyBuilder.com, said that FOGs should never be disposed of down the sink.He said: “Pancake batter may look quite innocuous, but actually the oil and fat content can be a big issue for pipes.
“FOGs such as these 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.”The expert added: “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.”Four steps to avoid clogged drains if you accidentally pour FOGs down the sinkEXPERTS at MyBuilder.com have revealed their four top tips to avoid your drains being clogged if you accidentally pour an FOG down the sink.
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.
DON’T run cold water. This will quickly cause the FOG to solidify, blocking your pipes.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.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.Pancake Day falls on March 4 this year, and Brits have revealed their weirdest and most wonderful toppings they secretly love to slather on the sweet treats.A poll of 2,000 adults who eat pancakes found 85 per cent enjoy unusual topping combinations – with a few adding cheese (24 per cent) and bacon jam (12 per cent).
Others tuck into sweet and savoury combinations on Shrove Tuesday, with 23 per cent swearing by strawberry and cream cheese, and 22 per cent opting for brie and cranberry.Drizzling golden syrup and walnuts proved popular for 33 per cent surveyed about their favourite pancake toppings, with 10 per cent going for indulgent dulce de leche and salty pretzels.The survey went on to find 55 per cent believe pancakes are a blank canvas to be experimented on – with six per cent adding salty sardines and 27 per cent tucking into something spicy on top.
The research was commissioned by Lyle’s Golden Syrup, which has teamed up with Georgie Grasso, the Great British Bake Off winner in 2024, to develop recipes which marry ‘swavoury’ flavours – including a chorizo, bacon and golden syrup pancake.GettyPancake Day falls on March 4 this year[/caption].
