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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Lifestyle
Sophie Collins

Warning issued about Baileys as it can 'cause havoc' after the Easter period

Irish households at Easter are always laced with bottles of Baileys for all the gatherings with family and friends and the drink could end up out of date by the time you get to it.

For most people, the first thought is to throw the bottle’s contents down the sink and recycle the bottle so there is no mess.

However, plumbing experts have time and time again been warning about the popular cream liqueur because it can apparently wreak havoc with the pipes under your sink.

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Because of its rich texture, manufacturers recommend drinking it within six months of opening the bottle.

But with many people on a health kick following the long weekend, you might be tempted to get rid of any alcohol by pouring it down the sink.

Before you do that, you should know about the damage and blockages you could cause.

Alex Saunders, head of Southern Water's wastewater network in the UK, warns: "Something like Baileys, which has a cream content could add to problems. No one likes a nasty surprise over the festive season and a blocked drain is no different."

Meanwhile, Kevin Began, Director Blockbuster Drainage explained that 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".

Hot cooking fat, oils and sauces should also never be disposed of down the drain, as it can have the same effect and cause blockages.

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 told The Mirror: "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."

He 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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