A concentration of grease in a drain can spell disaster. Unfortunately, it’s easy to get grease in the kitchen sink when washing dishes or disposing of old food. Unless you know what dissolves grease in a drain, you could be stuck calling a plumber for every little clog. Before calling in the experts from Patrick’s HVAC for a drain cleaning, here are some home remedies you can try on a grease-clogged kitchen sink.
How to Unclog a Drain that Has Grease in It
As soon as you notice grease buildup, put some DIY fixes to work. Don’t wait for a clog to become an even more severe problem or cause your sink to start backing up regularly.
How to Dissolve Grease in a Drain with Boiling Water
Boiling water is the quickest (and cheapest!) possible fix. Simply pour a pot or kettle full of boiling water down the drain, slow enough that you don’t splash yourself. The added heat should loosen the grease, making it easier to remove or sometimes flushing it entirely.
What Will Dissolve Grease in a Drain? DIY Drain Degreaser
You don’t need to buy a fancy drain solution when you can mix household cleaners instead. Simply mix 1/2 cup of white cleaning vinegar with:
1/2 cup baking soda
OR
1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup borax
Immediately pour the mixture into your kitchen sink drain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Flush the drain with hot water, then cool water to completely clear the grease.
Can You Put Degreaser Down a Drain?
Avoid using chemical degreasers whenever possible. The harsh solutions can erode your pipes over time, leaving you vulnerable to leaks or burst pipes later. The best way to clean grease from drains is with an enzymatic or biological cleaner
Removing Grease Stuck in a Drain Manually
If nothing else works, you can try physically removing the clog from your drain. A trusty sink plunger can help loosen or move the clog. Run water in the sink until it covers the head of the plunger, then plunge it like you would a toilet. Flush the sink with more water.
If you have access to a plumber’s snake, feed it down the drain until you feel resistance. Then crank the handle to break up the grease clogging your pipe and retract the hose. It should bring the large mass of the clog with it.
Related Content: Drain Maintenance: How to Keep Drains from Clogging
Call the Professionals for Stubborn Grease in the Kitchen Sink Drain
Stubborn clogs often take professional expertise. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t get your kitchen sink running smoothly, Patrick’s HVAC has the solution. We’ll send a professional, experienced plumber to your home to remove clogs that are too deep or too large for DIY methods. We can even give you tips on preventing clogs in the future. Contact us online or call us at (352) 329-3740 for a free estimate on select services.