The Pancake Day mistake that could cost you hundreds

It’s almost time for us Brits to go flipping crazy - Pancake Day is on its way! But while it may be a fun event for many, it could also land you with a hefty bill if you make this one simple mistake…..

It's easy to end up with too much batter, and some of us will be tempted to throw any remains down the sink. However, pancake mix falls into the category of FOG (Fats, Oils, and Greases). Half the UK population admit to pouring FOG down the drain, despite the fact that it can cause problems as it sticks to pipes and can cause blockages.

So this Pancake Day, don’t pour it away! Responsibly dispose of excess batter, or face an unexpected bill that can be hundreds of pounds.

It’s also worth noting that it’s not just pancake batter that causes problems - many other common foodstuffs have the same impact. These include:

Meat fat. Sunday roasts are a firm favourite this time of year, but don’t be tempted to let excess meat fat go down the sink when you clear away. Fats such as these are big contributors to blocked pipes, as well as adding to significant fatbergs. Cooking fat. A very common cooking product, but it must be disposed of in the waste and not down the sink. Gravy. A common meal staple in the UK, but leftovers must be put in the bin as opposed to down the sink. Custard. Not an obvious FOG, but custard is also a problem if poured down the sink. The substance can cause a coating on pipes which leads to blockages. Baileys. This popular drink has a short shelf life even when refrigerated, so often ends up down the sink. But creamy drinks such as Baileys are classed as a FOG, and can wreak havoc on pipes.

Andy Simms, a plumbing expert from MyBuilder.com, said that blocked pipes can cause Pancake Day to become expensive.

“Pancake mix is filled with oil, and as such is a disaster for sink pipes. Blockages are not only very inconvenient, but are pricey to fix. Most blockages could cost upwards of £250 to fix - and it’s so avoidable!

“If you need to dispose of the batter, make sure you do it responsibly. You can use the leftover batter to make other food, such as Yorkshire Puddings, or even freeze it to use at a later date. Never be tempted to pour it down the sink; not only could it cost you money, it’s terrible for our sewers and can contribute to fatbergs.”

If you do accidentally put FOGs down the sink, there are some important dos and don’ts:

DO Immediately run the hot water. Heat from the water can help to dissolve grease and fats, and keep them in liquid form until they are out of your pipes and in the sewer. Leave them hot water running for several minutes to be safe. DON’T run cold water. This will quickly cause the FOG to solidify, blocking your pipes. DO use dish soap. Adding soap to hot water is a simple and gentle way to help remove the blockages without damaging your pipes. DON’T use chemicals. Drain unblockers are often ineffective against FOGs, and can cause damage to your pipes in the process.

How you can use that leftover batter!

Freeze it. Pancake batter can be frozen for three months, and can be thawed in a few hours. A perfect brunch or after school snack.

Make some Yorkshire puddings. Pancake batter is essentially the same as Yorkshire pudding mix, so why not use it for your next Sunday roast?

Turn it into pizza. Pancake batter makes a delicious crust for a pizza with a difference.

Compost it. If you've really had enough of pancake batter, it's perfectly acceptable to add it to your compost bin or heap.