People with leftover Baileys and other Irish creams from the festive season are being warned over how they get rid of the liqueur.
While many people love the creamy beverage, it's not something that is often consumed in large quantities, and it also doesn't last very long once opened. It's recommended you drink it within six months.
As households across the UK get rid of all things festive, not to mention many of us partaking in Dry January, some people might be thinking of pouring the Baileys down the drain.
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But water experts are warning against this, the Mirror reports.
Alex Saunders, head of Southern Water's wastewater network, warns: "Something like Baileys, which has a cream content could add to problems. No one likes a nasty surprise and a blocked drain is no different."
Kevin Began of Blockbuster Drainage explained this is because "it will collate in the 'U' bend under the sink due to its thick consistency and prevent liquid from passing through to the external drainage". It can also cause it to "set in the small bore pipework and cause blockages".
The same goes for "hot cooking fat, cream, sauces and oils". This is important to be aware of, because people who may order a takeaway in the aftermath of the festive period, and then pour oily sauces down the drain.
Instead, Kevin says you should pour the cooled liquid into a "sealable container and dispose of it in your general waste bin".
Jamie Woodhall, UK Technical and Innovations Manager at Rentokil Specialist Hygiene said: "You should only pour water based products down a sink, or those that are water soluble.
"Flushing unsuitable products down domestic or commercial drains can lead to expensive drain blockages and overflowing sinks as well as increasing the risk of contamination, since grease sludge can harbour pathogenic bacteria."
Jamie added: "Top culprits for blocking drains in homes and commercial spaces are products that contain grease, fats and oil; expanding foods such as rice and pasta; flour; coffee grounds; and paint.
"With a severe blockage, some people turn to mechanical cleaning methods such as high pressure water jetting and rodding, but these are maybe unsuitable and even become a source of bacteria contamination if not operated with care. So you should always consult an expert to resolve a severe blockage in a safe manner."
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