5 items that should never be poured down sinks as they can cause major blockages

There’s nothing worse than turning the tap on only to find the drain is blocked. Signs of a blocked sink include bad smells coming from drains, water draining away more slowly from sinks or baths, waste or sewage coming back up in the toilet or sink and toilets taking more time to flush than normal.

While a small blockage may not seem like a problem, it can lead to a more serious problem if it’s not fixed.

One of the main causes of a blocked drain is pouring certain items down the sink that can cause blockages.

In a bid to help Britons avoid a hefty plumbing bill, experts at Mira Showers have shared the most common household ingredients which can lead to blocked drains that should never be poured down the sink.

From skincare ingredients to kitchen essentials, it’s not just hair and grease that can cause blockages.

Baking soda

While often hailed as a key ingredient for cleaning around the home, baking soda can cause blockages if it’s put down the drain when there is no blockage.

In fact, according to experts, baking soda can break the pipes down over time, as it’s naturally abrasive.

Oils

The experts said: “From body oil to cooking oil, while this may seem like a liquid, it actually solidifies when cool, leading to major blockages.”

Honey

Runny honey can often be seen crystalising and hardening in the jar over time. And that’s exactly what it does down drains. Over time, honey crystalises and builds up causing blockages.

Ground coffee 

While it’s tempting to rinse cafetieres or coffee machines down the sink (because it makes so much mess) homeowners are at major risk of blocking their drains.

Face masks

Rinsing a clay face mask off at the sink may seem harmless but when the mask residue goes down the plug hole, it could be wreaking havoc on drains.

Rather than washing it off down the sink or in the shower, wipe the product off with a damp sponge before rinsing the face.

Anyone who already has a blocked sink can use natural, household items to remove the blockage. Kerry Hale at Mira Showers has shared a three-ingredient method for “dislodging” light blockages.

She suggested: “If you end up with a blocked drain, it should be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid further problems.

“While it is encouraged to seek professional help from a plumber, a light blockage in your drain can often be solved using products you have in your own home for a fraction of the price.

“A solution of fairy liquid, bicarbonate soda, vinegar and boiling water can be poured down the drain to dislodge the blockage. When combined, bicarbonate soda and vinegar create a mild chemical reaction, while the fairy liquid works to remove grease and oil.”