Washing‑Up Liquid and Hot Water Tipped to Clear Kitchen‑Linked Outdoor Drains

Overview

• Maintracts published the guidance on Sunday after heavy rain in parts of the UK and the Met Office warned of further showers in northern and northwestern areas.
• The recommended method is to pour a generous amount of washing‑up liquid followed by hot or boiling water slowly into outdoor drains that carry kitchen waste so the heat melts fat and the detergent breaks it down.
• The advice applies only to drains linked to kitchen sinks and foul‑water systems and must not be used on rainwater‑only gullies because detergents can harm wildlife and waterways.
• Households are urged to choose plant‑based washing‑up liquids or use vinegar and bicarbonate for rainwater drains, and to repeat the hot‑water treatment several times if needed for best results.
• Maintracts also stresses prevention: never pour fat or grease down sinks, wipe pans before washing, fit sink strainers or grease traps, and keep external gullies and covers clear to reduce repeat blockages.