Millions of households routinely put oily dishes into the dishwasher, but experts warn that this practice could lead to unseen damage. Pouring or rinsing cooking oils, grease, salad dressings, and oil-based sauces into the dishwasher can cause fatty residues to accumulate in the plumbing over time, potentially resulting in costly plumbing issues.
According to Home Serve, warm fats, oils, and grease flow through the pipes before solidifying, creating blockages as they stick to the drains’ inner walls. This problem extends beyond just cooking oil; grease from various sources like roasting tins, frying pans, marinades, and dressings can all contribute to clogging pipes.
To prevent these issues, experts recommend wiping greasy cookware with kitchen roll before dishwashing and disposing of leftover oil in a suitable container rather than down the drain. Water UK highlights that fats, oils, and grease are major contributors to sewer blockages, forming fatbergs that require expensive clearing annually.
Thames Water also emphasizes the risk of pouring grease down the drain, as it can lead to preventable blockages when the grease solidifies in the pipes. Additionally, plumbing specialists advise against disposing of coffee grounds, flour, rice, and pasta down the drain to avoid domestic pipe blockages.
Taking a few extra moments to properly manage grease and food waste before running the dishwasher can save households from costly repairs and potential plumbing emergencies.
