21 February 2023 , 17:00
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While people around the world tuck into scrumptious pancakes in celebration of Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, plumbing experts have issued a warning to those taking part.
Pancake Day marks the start of Lent, where people traditionally give up certain types of food in the build-up to Easter. Before giving up things like chocolate or biscuits, many people go all-out by eating all different types of pancakes.
Plumbing experts at Rated People are now warning homeowners that one mistake pancake makers often make can be very costly. They are now warning against pouring any leftover pancake mix down the drain, because it can end up costing hundreds of pounds to fix.
There are many reasons you might have leftover batter (stock image) (Getty Images/Tetra images RF)Plumbing experts at Rated People said: "Pancake batter contains flour, fat and oil and this is a recipe for disaster when it comes to drains as it can quickly harden in pipes and lead to blockages and burst pipes which can be costly to repair.
"Pouring leftover pancake mix down the drain can also contribute to fatbergs in sewers."
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Fatbergs occur when fat and grease combine with non-flushable items such as wet wipes and cotton pads. This can prevent water from flowing through through the drains.
It's estimated that South West Water spends a whopping £4.5 million every year just clearing blockages from its 17,000km sewer network.
According to the experts, fixing a blocked drain could cost you between £150-300 depending on how easy it is to access the pipe.
You should not pour pancake batter down the sink (stock image) (Getty Images)However, this is only the start of it. A blocked drain could cause further damage to your property which could end up costing even more money.
The plumbing experts added: "Leaking or fully burst pipes caused by increased pressure from blockages can cause damage to your property and possessions, which means fixing the broken pipework could only be part of the repair cost.
"Whether it's a plastic or copper pipe, the solution will likely involve replacing the section of the pipe that's damaged.
"Fixing a burst water pipe that's easy to access will cost around £150, but with no visible access, the job is trickier and that can set you back by around £300 on average. Those hard-to-locate leaks are where a plumber's expertise is even more valuable."
Instead of pouring batter down the drain, there are several things you can do. One tip is to freeze the leftover batter in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
Defrost it thoroughly in the fridge before giving it a bit of a mix and then you can fry your delicious pancakes.
Another idea is using it to make Yorkshire puddings for your Sunday roast dinner.
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If you want to dispose of the batter, for example if it didn't turn out the way you wanted it to, you should wait until it's cool and tip it into the bin.
You should first make sure your local authority accepts this type of food in the waste.
Natalie White, Head of Brand Communications at Rated People, added: "If you're already noticing plumbing changes like leaks and water that's slow to drain away, or you're worried about a blockage, we'd recommend bringing in a skilled plumber to identify and fix the problem sooner rather than later when it could get worse."