Coffee drinkers have been warned not to make one mistake after their morning beverage (Image: Getty)
For many people, getting out of bed and ready to face the day just isn’t possible without a cup of or two.
The caffeinated drink can be enjoyed in so many different ways, from a simple espresso to a sweet vanilla iced latte.
However, a warning has been issued to anyone who likes to start their morning with a cup of coffee – and it’s all to do with how you’re disposing of it.
The consumer experts at Which? have recently sounded the alarm about blocked drains and some of the biggest culprits that can result in a pricey repair.
And coffee grounds, although seemingly harmless, have been named as one of these.
Coffee grounds can spell disaster for your plumbing system (Image: Getty)
A blocked or clogged drain can be a real nightmare to deal with, especially if it’s in your kitchen – as food is often the culprit.
Because of this, it can start to smell pretty quickly, which is never pleasant.
However, homeowners can help minimise the risk by learning what they can and can’t put down the drain, and coffee grounds are a big no, according to experts.
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It’s never a good idea to pour coffee grounds down the sink, even with water.
Spencer Darley of Which? Trusted Trader company Drain Jet Yorkshire said: “They don’t dissolve in water, so they can clump together and form a hard, rock-like blockage in the drain.”
Instead, put them straight in the bin, or you can compost them instead.
How to unblock a drain
Your first port of call should always be a plunger. In most cases, a couple of firm plunges are enough to get rid of minor blockages caused by food and grease.
Ensure there’s enough water in the sink to cover the plunger’s cup and create a tight seal before plunging.
If this doesn’t work, the next step is to use a drain unblocker.
This can help dissolve stubborn grease, oil or soap build-up. The experts recmmend to always follow the instructions on the product and be careful when handling chemical unblockers.
It could also be worth investing in a drain protector, which are covers designed to stop food scraps from entering drains, while allowing water to run through.