What to Do if You Pour Grease Down the Drain

Why Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Sink?

Call Williamson Plumbing in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania at (484) 655-5369. We offer drain cleaning with the right tools to clear clogs throughout Monroe County, PA. Grease enters your sink as a liquid but quickly solidifies as it cools, turning into a sticky glob. This can lead to clogs in your plumbing system. Even if poured as a hot liquid, hardening only takes a few minutes.

Why Pouring Grease Down the Drain Is Bad

Grease comes from cooking, and pouring it down the sink might seem okay, but it can cause problems. When grease is hot, it’s liquid. However, it hardens when it cools. Grease is also sticky. It clings to your pipes and grabs other debris. This can block water from flowing, causing slow drains, backups, and even pipe damage.

Grease can also create bad smells. You might notice a sour smell near the sink, and it can spread to places like the laundry room or bathroom. These odors can be hard to remove without a plumber’s help.

When grease hardens, it puts pressure on your pipes, possibly causing leaks and cracks. Fixing these issues can be expensive.

Grease can harm the environment, too. In the sewer system, it mixes with other debris, leading to blockages and pollution.

If you’re facing a severe clog, contact Williamson Plumbing in Monroe County for assistance.

Here's how you can address grease-related clogs:

Snake Your Drain
A drain snake drills into clogs, acting like a corkscrew to remove obstructions. While it may not grab mushy substances like animal fats, it can clear out more complex debris.
Use a Homemade Drain Cleaner
Chemical drain cleaners can be harsh on your pipes and often don’t work well on oil and fat. Instead, try a baking soda and vinegar solution. Seal your drain holes to create pressure, which can help push the clog through. Note that while this method is more gentle on your pipes, it might not solve severe blockages and could take longer to show results.
Pour Boiling Water Down the Drain
Boiling water can work wonders in re-liquefying solid grease. Mix in some dish soap to help break up and move the residue through your pipes for added effectiveness. If other debris is causing a blockage, you may also need to snake the drain. But don’t worry, the boiling water can make a significant difference.
Clean Your P-Trap
If other methods fail, the problem might be in your P-trap, a U-shaped pipe under your sink that holds a small amount of water to prevent sewer gases from entering your home. It’s a messy job, so use gloves and prepare for an odor. Start by removing any liquid from your sink, using a cup or siphoning tool. Place a bucket under the P-trap to catch materials. Most P-traps unscrew with a simple counterclockwise twist. Clean out the grease and reassemble.

What to Do If You Have Plumbing Damage

If you’re still having plumbing issues after trying these steps, it’s time to call a professional. For tough clogs or slow drains, a skilled plumbing team can inspect your pipes for damage and make repairs if needed.

Your local plumber in Kunkletown, Pennsylvania can offer drain cleaning with the right tools to clear clogs. However, not all blockages are easy to fix. Major damage might require costly repairs or replacements, so it’s important to prevent grease clogs early on.

Can You Pour Cooking Grease Down the Drain? No

No, you can’t pour grease, cooking oil or animal fat down your drain. Doing so can cause clogs in your pipes or massive sewer blockages. If your drain is running well, but you suspect there is grease building up, you might occasionally consider a hot water and baking soda Consider installing a grease trap. Contact Williamson Plumbing for help. We’re licensed plumbers offering services like drain cleaning and hydro jetting, plus repairs, installations, and maintenance. We’re here for all your plumbing needs!

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