Expert warns of the five things you should never pour down the sink

The sink may seem the easiest way to dispose of food remnants, but a build-up of grime and grease can land you with clogged drains and a hefty plumbing bill.

Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online, one of the UK’s largest catering suppliers, has shared five things you should never pour down the kitchen sink, and how to properly dispose of your waste.

“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 build-up can lead to blockages and reduce the flow of water. Moreso, fats, oils and grease can combine with other foods in the pipes that can create even worse clogs, impeding on the proper functioning of the plumbing and may require costly repairs.

HOW TO DISPOSE: Allow the liquid to cool and solidify in a container. Once solid, dispose of them in the bin.”

2. Rice, pasta and oats 

“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.

HOW TO DISPOSE: 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

“When mixed with water, coffee grounds can accumulate and create a sludge-like texture in the pipes. Coffee grounds are dense and can settle in the pipes easily and this type of clogging can reduce water flow.

HOW TO DISPOSE: Thankfully there are multiple environmentally friendly ways to dispose of coffee grounds, rather than using the sink. Coffee grounds are rich in nutrients, making them excellent to use in compost. Mix them with any fruit and vegetable scraps you may have to make a rich, nutritious soil. Or, you can sprinkle used coffee grounds in and around your garden so that it works as a natural fertilizer, providing nitrogen and other nutrients that can benefit plants.”

4. Eggshells

“While some people think that putting eggshells down the sink is beneficial, it can in fact 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.

HOW TO DISPOSE: To help deter pests, such as slugs and snails, from your garden, scatter your leftover eggshells around the plants you’re wanting to protect. The pests won’t want to travel over the sharp shells and so will avoid going near your plants. Alternatively, you can use eggshells as containers for starting seeds. Carefully fill the empty eggshell with soil and your chosen seeds and once the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, place the entire eggshell into the soil. Eggshells contain calcium carbonate, which is an essential nutrient for plant growth.”

5. Dairy products

“Dairy products are rich in fats and proteins so when they are poured down the sink, the substances can solidify and accumulate, causing clogs. But most significantly, dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, can spoil and produce unpleasant odours when trapped in the pipes. This therefore creates an environment that creates bacteria growth; something you don’t want to happen where food is being prepared!

HOW TO DISPOSE: The simplest and most common method of disposing of dairy products is throwing them in the bin. However, to get the most out of your dairy products that are still within their expiry date, consider freezing them in airtight containers so that they can be eaten at a later date.”

Alliance Online have released these tips to make Brits aware of what not to pour down the sink. Check out their range of catering equipment here.