For many, the day doesn’t truly begin until they’ve had their first sip of coffee. This popular caffeinated beverage comes in countless forms, from a strong espresso to a decadent vanilla iced latte.
However, there’s an important warning for those who kickstart their mornings with a coffee – and it’s all to do with how you dispose of it. Which? consumer experts have raised concerns about blocked drains, highlighting common causes that could lead to costly repairs, reports the Express.
Surprisingly, coffee grounds are on the list of potential offenders. A blockage in the drain is more than just an inconvenience, particularly when it occurs in the kitchen where food waste is often the problem, since these blockages can quickly lead to unpleasant odours.
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To avoid this, it’s crucial to know what should and shouldn’t go down the drain, and experts warn against disposing of coffee grounds in the sink.
Spencer Darley from Which? Trusted Trader firm Drain Jet Yorkshire advised: “They don’t dissolve in water, so they can clump together and form a hard, rock-like blockage in the drain.”
The recommended approach is to bin them or, even better, add them to your compost heap.
How to unblock a drain
The first solution to consider when dealing with a blocked sink is always a plunger. In many cases, a few strong plunges can effectively clear minor blockages caused by food and grease.
It’s important to ensure that there’s enough water in the sink to cover the cup of the plunger and create a secure seal before you start plunging.
If the plunger doesn’t do the trick, the next course of action would be to use a drain unblocker.
This product can aid in dissolving stubborn build-ups of grease, oil or soap. Experts advise to always stick to the instructions on the product and exercise caution when handling chemical unblockers.
Investing in a drain protector could also be beneficial. These are covers specifically designed to prevent food scraps from entering drains, while still allowing water to flow through.