Families are being urged not to pour turkey fat down the sink this Christmas – or risk flooding their homes.

Trade association Water UK has issued a warning to families to dispose of cooking fats, oils and greases responsibly to avoid blocked pipes, property damage and harm to the environment.

It comes as research shows that 27% of UK adults dispose of their fats down the sink, 22% down the drain and 11% down the toilet.

A new national campaign from Water UK is encouraging people to avoid putting any leftover fats, oils or greases down the sink.

Fats, oils and greases poured down the sink or drain harden in cold pipes. They combine with wet wipes and other unflushable items to create ‘fatbergs’ which block sewer pipes, leading to sewage flooding homes and streets, and pollution in waterways. They can also block pipes in homes.

Sewer blockages cost the UK up to £200 million each year, and more than 3,000 homes are flooded because of them, Water UK said.

Tips on how to responsibly dispose of fats, oils and grease include:

– Allow them to cool and wipe away with kitchen towel and place in the bin.

– Cooled oils can be poured into a heatproof container, then placed in the bin.

– Pour into a pot and use again to cook another meal.

– Use a sink strainer to catch greasy food scraps.

William Davies, communications director at Water UK, said: “We all love our Christmas dinner but cooking up that delicious festive feast leaves behind a trail of leftover fat, oil and grease.

“Amid the yuletide cheer the last thing we want to think about is what should happen to this gloopy mess. But disposing of it down the sink or drain can cause real problems in our sewers, harm wildlife and block the pipes in our homes as well.

“This festive season why not do your bit to protect your ho, ho home by putting any fats, oils and greases in the bin and not down the sink.”