People told to pour washing up liquid down outside drain this week

Rain has been falling relentlessly across certain areas of the UK as the classic bank holiday washout made its comeback perfectly timed for everyone's additional day off on Monday. A pleasant spell of sunshine and warm temperatures last week has given way to persistent dreary rainfall throughout much of the nation. During particularly wet conditions, especially when substantial rainfall occurs within a brief timeframe, one element of your property faces a real challenge. In particular, your drainage system which doesn't always cope successfully. In such weather , drains along the side of your property can rapidly become blocked with leaves, twigs and various debris and dirt, while food remnants down your kitchen sink can equally obstruct outdoor drains, including fat, grease and even rice and fragments of food residue. However, there is one straightforward and simple method to restore a blocked kitchen drain to working order if you're home this week and have the opportunity to tackle it - and it doesn't require costly chemicals, just an ordinary bottle of washing up liquid, according to experts. According to plumbing and home maintenance specialists Maintracts, outdoor drains connected to the kitchen sink – and only these – can be cleared swiftly using nothing more than washing up liquid and hot water. It's worth noting that this tip applies solely to kitchen sink-connected drains – avoid pouring it down any drain used purely for rainwater from the roof, as chemical-based washing up liquid is harmful to waterways and can prove fatal to wildlife. For those drains, a natural alternative such as vinegar and bicarbonate of soda is a far better option. To minimise environmental impact as much as possible, choose a plant-based washing up liquid that is free from chemical surfactants, reports the Express . Maintracts states in its online guidance: "Fat, oil and grease (commonly known as FOG) are among the biggest culprits behind blocked gullies and outside drains. "When hot grease is poured down the sink, it may seem harmless. But as it cools in your foul water drain, it hardens and sticks to the pipe walls. "Eventually, this sticky mess collects other debris, such as food scraps, soap scum and dirt, creating a solid, immovable blockage. "This is especially problematic in outdoor drains, which are more exposed to the elements and can easily become a magnet for garden debris, mud and litter, thereby exacerbating the blockage." To address the problem, simply combine washing up liquid with hot water and get to work. They continued: "One of the simplest ways to unblock outside drain blockages caused by fat is to pour boiling water mixed with a generous amount of washing-up liquid into the drain. "The boiling water helps melt the fat, while the soap breaks it down, making it easier to flush away. Ensure to do this slowly to allow the heat and detergent time to work. Repeat the process several times for optimal results." After you've cleared the obstruction, there are methods to prevent it from recurring. Maintracts explains: "Here's how to keep your drains clear and flowing: Never pour fat or grease down the sink. Wipe plates and pans before washing to reduce the amount of residue going down the drain. Use strainers in your sinks to catch solid particles before they enter the system. Install a grease trap if you cook frequently or deal with large amounts of food waste. Keep gullies and drain covers clear of leaves, litter, and other outdoor debris to prevent surface water buildup.”