Accidentally Poured Grease Down The Drain? Here’s What To Do.
Everyone has made this simple mistake in the kitchen. Maybe when you were rushing to clean up after dinner, disaster strikes, and you accidentally pour grease down the drain. You’re not alone! This is a common nightmare scenario for homeowners. You immediately wonder if your entire plumbing system is ruined forever or how much this is going to cost to fix.
The good news is that quick, correct action can often save your pipes from a complete disaster. This guide, from the experts at Lone Star Contracting, will help you understand the problem. It will also give you simple steps to fix it right now.
Why Can’t You Pour Grease Down The Drain?
This is an essential question many homeowners ask themselves. When you finish cooking, the leftover grease is hot and fully liquid. It flows very easily down your sink drain. But as soon as it enters the cold pipes under your sink, things begin to change fast.
The hot grease immediately starts to cool down. As it cools, it changes its form from a liquid to a sticky, solid substance. You can think about what happens to bacon grease when you leave it out to cool. The same process happens inside your plumbing system, but now in a narrow, hard-to-reach space.
What Happens When You Pour Grease Down The Drain
That solid, cooled grease quickly sticks to the inner walls of your drain pipes. This first layer of oil is the start of a serious problem. Over time, more grease, food scraps and other waste build up alongside that starting layer. Over time, these layers harden and slowly narrow the pipe’s opening. A smaller pipe opening means that your sink will drain more slowly. Eventually, this will cause a total backup. This blockage can stop all water flow and can lead to expensive professional plumbing repairs.
I Accidentally Poured Grease Down The Drain—Now What?
Don’t worry if you just made this honest mistake. The most important key is to act very quickly before the grease cools and hardens. If a small amount of liquid cooking oil or grease just went down, you must try these simple steps. This is exactly what to do if grease goes down the drain for an emergency fix.
The Hot Water Flush
Immediately turn your kitchen faucet’s hot water on full blast. Let the very hot water run for at least three to five minutes without stopping. The heat from the water will help keep the grease in its liquid state. This allows it to move farther down the pipe before it cools. Ideally, it will pass through your home’s main sewer line and out of your system. Remember, this method is best for small amounts of liquid grease only.
Dish Soap To The Rescue
Follow the hot water flush with a small squirt of liquid dish soap. Dish soap is specially designed to break down grease and oil. It works as an emulsifier. The soap helps the grease mix better with the water. The combination of running hot water and soap helps to carry the oil away and reduces its stickiness.
However, if you pour a large amount, like a whole cup of bacon grease, these steps will not solve the issue. In that case, the clog is likely already too large or too hard. This situation requires a professional’s help to safely clear the pipe.
How To Avoid Future Grease Tragedies
The absolute best fix for a grease problem is prevention. Simply never pour any type of cooking oil or fat down your sink. This rule includes all bacon grease, vegetable oil and fatty meat juices. Even things like buttery sauces or salad dressings that contain oil should be avoided.
Follow these simple rules for proper disposal:
- Cool it down — Wait for the used grease to cool and become solid.
- Can it — Pour the cooled, solid grease into an old coffee can or a sturdy jar.
- Toss it — Once the can is full, seal it with a lid and throw the entire thing in the garbage.
- Wipe it out — For small amounts, use a paper towel to wipe the remaining oil out of the pan. Then, throw the paper towel directly in the trash.
Always scrape leftover food into the trash first before washing dishes. This simple habit will protect your plumbing for many years. You should also remember that coffee grounds, eggshells, and flour can cause clogs too.
Get Professional Help For Stubborn Clogs
Knowing what to do if grease goes down the drain helps you manage those small everyday spills. A large pour or a recurring drain issue needs professional help. If your drain moves slowly or is totally blocked, the clog is solid. Do not use chemical drain cleaners from the store. They can damage your pipes over time.
If you accidentally poured grease down the drain and now have a clog, call the experts at Lone Star Contracting. We offer fast, reliable drain cleaning services in San Angelo, TX. With the use of powerful hydrojetting and other tools, we can clear the toughest blockages.
Protect Your Home And Get Your Pipes Flowing Freely Again.
Call us today at 325-617-4521 or visit our website to request a free estimate!
