Your sink could be the cause of long-lasting colds and illnesses

10 March 2024 , 19:54

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It's vital you keep your sink clean (Image: Getty Images/fStop)

An expert has warned that the lingering cold, coughs and bugs that are currently circulating might be due to your sink.

It's the build-up of hair and dirt could be making your family sick. Eleanor Potter, head of strategic sourcing at Plumbworld, said: "Plugholes can become full of nasties if you're not looking after them. Not only can blockages harm your pipes they could be making your family unwell, too."

Research suggests that the gunk in your plughole could lead to the growth of harmful biofilms in your plumbing. Biofilms are thin layers of tiny organisms that house bacteria and could, over time, turn into dangerous germs which could spread through your home, making you and your family sick.

A study by the University of East Anglia stated: "Sink and bath drains and plugholes are troubling reservoirs for microbes, many of which are opportunistic pathogens and present threats to house owners. Plugholes and drains pose potential health consequences and could promote the spread of diseases."

Plugholes can get blocked when a build-up of nasties stick together - fur, hair, sulphates (found in a lot of shampoo, shower gel, and face washes), silicone (in conditioner), toothpaste, bath oil, and physical dirt, reports Bristol Live.

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And when blockages occur, water tends to be pushed back out, either touching your skin or your food. "Using things like plughole sieves is a great way of ensuring drains remain clear and free of debris," Eleanor said. She added: "Otherwise, making sure you're cleaning out your plugholes on a weekly basis should prevent possible harmful bacteria from forming."

Rom Preston-Ellis