A plumber issued a stark warning to Brits about a common kitchen blunder that could end up costing homeowners a hefty sum to fix.

The caution comes after a TikTok video went viral, racking up over 16 million views, showcasing the perils of dumping grease and fatty oils down the kitchen sink. The clip reveals the consequences of such an error, with a clogged drain so choked with grease that it needed a shovel to clear it for water to pass through.

“Don’t put grease down your sink,” the TikTok user ThatPlumbGuy advises in the video’s caption. “It’s the worst drain blocker other than baby wipes.”

Plumber Tom Watts, speaking with Magnet Kitchens, elaborated on the issue: “Fatty oils and grease disposed of in kitchen drains will dry out and solidify causing severe blockages within your pipe work. This puts your sink and any appliance (dishwashers, washing machines and boilers) within your kitchen at risk of becoming damaged.

“Once the oils have solidified the blockages won’t be removable with a plunger, and will require a plumber to come out and use expensive machinery to either vacuum or rod the blockages’. You could pay £250 upwards depending on the blockage and time required to unblock. If pipework is unrepairable due to permanent damage, you could be looking at £500+ to renew the pipes completely.”

Experts at Magnet are sounding the alarm on the proper disposal of grease and fatty oils, meanwhile, stressing the importance of careful waste management. “Instead of pouring grease down the sink, collect it in a container or empty it into a separate bin and dispose of it once it has cooled and solidified,” they advise.

To prevent damage to your drainage system, the company recommends three essential steps:

1. Invest in a strainer or filter for your kitchen sink plug-hole

While most kitchen sinks come equipped with a basic strainer or filter, upgrading to a more substantial one can be an effective measure to keep your pipes free from blockages.

2. Always scrape food waste from plates and utensils into the bin

Though rinsing off small bits of food waste might seem convenient, these remnants can lead to blockages over time. To circumvent this issue, make sure to scrape any food leftovers directly into the bin instead of washing them down the sink.

3. Clean your sinks and drains on a regular basis

Noticing a slowdown in your draining systems? Flush your sink with a combination of baking soda and vinegar to tackle any grease build-up and clear potential blockages. Follow up with boiling water to cleanse away any lingering debris.