The warning has been issued to anyone tempted to dispose of unwanted alcohol by pouring it down the sink
Baileys fans are obsessing over a brand new flavour of the liquor launching in Sainsbury’s(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Baileys is a beloved beverage in many Irish homes during the holiday season, whether it’s savored on the rocks, mixed into coffee, or incorporated into festive desserts.
However, with the New Year now in full swing, some households might find themselves stuck with half-drunk bottles gathering dust in their cupboards. Given that Baileys isn’t typically consumed in large amounts and has a relatively short shelf life once opened – manufacturers suggest finishing it within six months – leftovers can easily go to waste.
Moreover, as thousands embark on Dry January, a stern warning has been issued to those considering getting rid of unwanted booze by pouring it down the drain. This cautionary advice, initially circulated before Christmas, remains relevant even after the holiday season. Experts warn that cream liqueurs like Baileys can cause serious damage to household plumbing systems.
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Frequent Baileys mistake
MyBuilder.com reveals that disposing of Baileys via the sink is a surprisingly frequent post-holiday blunder. They elaborated: “Cream liqueur drinks, such as the popular Christmas favorite, Baileys, can be a problem for your plumbing at Christmas. While it may be delicious to drink, it doesn’t keep for long, and often ends up down the sink.”
“However, this sort of beverage should never be disposed of in this way. Cream liqueurs have a large fat content, and as such falls into the category of FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases). FOG should never go down the sink, as it sticks to pipes and can cause blockages. It’s also what’s responsible for ‘fatbergs’ in our sewers.”
Kevin Began, Director at Blockbuster Drainage, previously told Mirror UK that Baileys has the potential to “collate in the ‘U’ bend under the sink due to its thick consistency and prevent liquid from passing through to the external drainage”.
His recommendation?
Any leftover Baileys should be transferred into a “sealable container and disposed of in the general waste bin”.
Professionals also caution against tipping hot cooking fats, oils and gravies down the drain, warning they can solidify within pipes and result in expensive clogs.
Jamie Woodhall, UK Technical and Innovations Manager at Rentokil Specialist Hygiene, explained: “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.
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“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 the se 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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