You may have wondered whether pouring leftover cooking oil down your kitchen sink is really that bad. Can grease clog a drain if you run hot water?
Based on extensive experience, most plumbers in Cedar City, Utah, like those at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup, say yes. Grease buildup continues to be one of the most common causes of blocked drains, and grease-related plumbing issues often mean expensive repairs.
How Grease Clogs Kitchen Drains Over Time
How can grease clog a drain? A more important question is what happens when cooking oil cools.
When you pour hot grease down your sink, it solidifies into a sticky, thick substance. This mess adheres to the pipe walls and hardens, which narrows the passageway available for the water flow. This problem gets worse when food particles, coffee grounds, or soap scum stick to this greasy coating, creating a larger blockage.
Eventually, grease buildup and debris create a complete obstruction. At that point, you might notice slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or foul odors.
Tips for Safe Grease Disposal for Homeowners
Practicing safe grease disposal is simple. Never pour grease down your garbage disposal, and follow these steps to properly dispose of cooking grease:
- Let the grease cool completely in the cooking pan for one hour before handling it.
- Pour the cooled grease into a sealed container, such as a glass jar, empty coffee can, or milk carton with a wax lining.
- Dispose of the container in your regular trash once it’s full. A plastic bag can prevent spills.
It’s also helpful to wipe your pans with paper towels to remove the remaining grease before washing the receptacle in the sink. Taking a few extra minutes to dispose of cooking oil properly helps you avoid costly plumbing repairs. You may even extend the lifespan of your property’s pipes by keeping things flowing smoothly.
Why Professional Drain Cleaning for Grease Buildup Is Important
How quickly can grease clog a drain? It may take time to get to a point of complete blockage, but when grease accumulation becomes that severe, you’ll need professional drain cleaning services. Chemical drain cleaners rarely solve the underlying problem and can damage the pipes.
Professional drain maintenance services use specialized tools to inspect your drainage system and identify how far the grease has spread. When grease extends into your main sewer line, it creates serious problems. Fortunately, techniques like hydro-jetting thoroughly remove grease deposits, though it’s easier to tackle the problem before it gets to the sewer.
The key to preventing fat and oil plumbing blocks is establishing good kitchen habits now. Being proactive about what goes down your drain saves you money and prevents emergency plumbing situations.
Let Cedar City’s Drain Experts From Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Solve Your Grease Problem
How badly can grease clog a drain? Don’t wait to find out!
Call Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup at (435) 710-7287 for 24/7 plumbing solutions, or pop in to meet the team at 337 S. Main Street #B30, Cedar City, Utah, 84720. Why not ask us more about installing an air gap device to prevent backflow issues?
