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Warning issued to people planning on drinking Baby Guinness during Christmas
It might look like the perfect festive treat, but that leftover bottle of Baileys in your cupboard could cause a plumbing nightmare this Christmas.
The Baby Guinness, a cocktail made from coffee liqueur and Irish cream, is a seasonal favorite that’s seen everywhere from St Patrick’s Day parties to Christmas gatherings. With Baileys being a go-to drink in December, many people don't think twice about pouring unused cream liqueur down the drain - but that could be a costly mistake.
Experts are sounding the alarm for households planning to clear out their drinks cabinet before the holidays. If you're getting rid of last year's Baileys, don't even think about tipping it down the sink.
Plumbers say Baileys could cause major pipe blockages
Plumbers from MyBuilder.com have warned that cream liqueurs like Baileys have a high fat content and fall into a category known as FOG - fats, oils, and greases. These substances are notorious for clinging to pipes and causing thick, sticky blockages that can lead to expensive repairs.
They said: "Cream liqueur drinks, like the Christmas favourite, Baileys, can be a nightmare for your plumbing. It's tasty to drink, but it doesn't last long and often ends up down the sink.
"However, you should never dispose of this type of beverage in this way. Cream liqueurs have a high fat content and fall into the category of FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases). FOG should never go down the sink as it clings to pipes and can cause blockages. It's also responsible for 'fatbergs' in our sewers."
And it’s not just Baileys causing problems. Hot turkey fat is another holiday kitchen culprit. When these liquids cool down, they harden, making the build-up in your pipes even worse.
Christmas Day plumbing disasters could cost four times more
If you're unlucky enough to block your drain over the holidays, calling a plumber on Christmas Day could be financially painful. According to the same trade experts, emergency callouts during the holidays can be "four times as expensive" as usual. That means one careless pour could wreck your festive mood - and your bank account.
Wondering what to do with that old Baileys instead? One expert previously suggested sealing leftover cream liqueur or fats in a container and tossing them in the general waste bin. As for hot cooking fat, allow it to cool first before throwing it away.