That gurgling sound. The water that just won’t go down. You finish washing the dishes, and you’re left with a murky pool of water sitting in your sink. It’s a uniquely frustrating feeling, one that can throw off your whole day. A putrid scent starts to rise, and you know the culprit is likely a stubborn clog of grease and gunk from weeks of cooking. It’s a common kitchen headache, but your drainage problem has plenty of solutions.
A Dose of Boiling Water
One of the most straightforward methods involves a kettle and some heat. A slow drain is often the first sign of a grease problem. The fats and oils you washed away have cooled inside your pipe, hardening into a waxy blockage.
Pouring a pot of boiling water directly down the drain can work wonders. The high temperature melts the solidified grease, allowing it to flow down the plumbing system. For best results, pour the water slowly and in stages. This gives it time to work on dissolving the buildup. A good water heating system helps, but truly boiling water is what you need for this job.
A quick word of caution: if you have PVC pipes, this method can be risky. The intense heat might soften the plastic joints. Just be mindful (or speak to your local plumber) if you’re worried.
Vinegar and Baking Soda
You might remember this fizzy combination from school. Vinegar and baking soda can also be a gentle yet effective drain cleaner for your kitchen sink. This natural mixture helps clear out buildup without the harsh effects of chemical products that can cause pipe corrosion over time.
First, pour about half a cup of baking soda directly into the drain. Follow that up with an equal amount of white vinegar. You’ll hear it start to bubble and fizz immediately. This reaction is what helps break apart the grease and food particles. Let the mixture sit for at least an hour or even overnight for tougher clogs. To finish, flush everything out with a pot of hot water.
A Little Bit of Dish Soap
The same soap that cuts through grease on your pans can help with the gunk inside your plumbing. Dish soap is designed to break down fat and cooking oil, making it a good first line of defense against a developing clog. Just squeeze a generous amount of dish soap into the drain, followed by hot water. The soap helps lubricate the pipe and dissolve some of the grease, hopefully clearing the path for water to flow freely again. This works best for mild, fresh blockages, not deep-set clogs.
Sometimes, a Plunger Is Your Best Friend
A plunger isn’t just for the bathroom. A simple cup plunger can provide the force needed to dislodge a stubborn grease clog. For this to work on a double-basin kitchen sink, you first need to create a good seal. Plug one of the drains with a wet rag or a stopper.
Place the plunger over the other drain, making sure it’s completely covered. Run a little bit of water into the sink to help the plunger form a tight seal. Then, give it a few firm plunges. The pressure you create can often push the blockage right through the pipe and restore your drainage.
The Best Fix Is Prevention
The simplest way to deal with a grease clog is to never let one form in the first place. Keeping fat, oil, and grease out of your sink is the ultimate goal. What you do with your cooking scraps after a meal makes all the difference.
- Can It. Pour leftover cooking oil and bacon fat into an old can or a glass jar. Once it cools and hardens, you can just toss the whole thing in the trash.
- Wipe First. Before washing pots and pans, use a paper towel to wipe off any residual grease. That little bit you wipe away won’t get a chance to build up in your pipe.
- Use a Strainer. A simple mesh strainer placed in your sink drain is a game-changer. It catches all the small food particles that would otherwise get washed down and contribute to a blockage.
Andreas Plumbing Can Help
When a clog just won’t quit, you don’t have to fight it alone. Andreas Plumbing offers professional assistance for homeowners across the Lehigh Valley. Our drain cleaning services include clogged drain repair and powerful hydro jetting, which can clear even the most stubborn grease buildups, restoring your drains to peak performance. Call us today to learn more!