Poor household habits are costing Britons an estimated £1.5 billion annually in drain and sewage repairs, according to research from HomeServe.
Almost half of UK adults have experienced a drain or sewage problem, with the average repair costing £73.20.
The survey of 2,000 adults finds that 76% have put at least one potentially problematic item down a sink or toilet.
HomeServe has recruited Olympian and television personality Harry Aikines-Aryeety (main picture) as its first “Personal Drainer” to encourage homeowners and tenants to look after their pipes.
FAT, WIPES AND COFFEE
Dairy products are the most common items disposed of down household drains, cited by 57% of respondents.
A quarter admit pouring away cooking fat, oil or grease, rising to 31% among those aged between 18 and 34.
Other common items include hair at 19%, coffee grounds at 18% and wet wipes at 15%. One in 10 respondents has disposed of flour or batter through their drains, while 11% have poured away paint, cleaning chemicals or other DIY liquids.
Blocked or slow-draining sinks, toilets and pipes are the most frequently reported problem, affecting 26% of adults. Unpleasant drain odours follow at 19%.
However, 30% would ignore a minor problem if it did not interfere with daily life, while 20% only consider what enters their drains after an issue develops.
EARLY WARNING SIGNS
Aikines-Aryeety advises households to dispose of cooled cooking fat and coffee grounds in the bin, use sink strainers and avoid flushing wipes – including products labelled as flushable.
He says: “People are brilliant at looking after themselves but barely give their drains a second thought until something goes wrong.
“Treat them like a training plan: small habits, done consistently, and you’ll save yourself a world of stress, mess and money down the line.”
Frazier Fauguel, home expert at HomeServe, says most blockages develop gradually from everyday behaviour.
“If you notice slow draining, gurgling pipes or bad smells, don’t ignore it,” he adds. “Tackling the warning signs early is far easier and cheaper than dealing with a full blockage down the line.”
