Clogged drains are a common problem with kitchen sinks. It’s usually caused by grease accumulation. This can lead to standing water, messes and unpleasant odors. Here are some ways to clear the grease from your drains if you have this problem.
How to tell if your drain has a grease clog
How can you tell if your drain is blocked? There are several ways to determine if your drain is clogged. Think about your cooking habits in the kitchen. Are you more likely to pour cooking fats and grease down the drain than to throw it away? If this sounds familiar, it’s likely that your drain is clogged with congealed grease.
Even if you don’t use oils in your drains, grease clogs can occur from everyday cooking. Fat can be found in foods that contain a lot meats and dairy products. These fats can be deposited in the drain when you wash your dishes and pans. These little bits of oil and fat build up over time and can eventually block the drain.
These are signs that your drain might be clogged with grease
- When the water is trying to drain, it makes gurgling sounds.
- Slow drainage that gets worse with time
- Unpleasing odor that won’t go away from your sink. It is often a smell that smells like rotten or rancid food.
How to clean grease from drains
There are a few DIY options that can be used to clear grease from drains, depending on how severe the problem is and where it is located. You might need to contact a professional if the clog is severe or difficult to access. These drain degreaser methods are a good start.
- Pour boiling water down the drain if you are just beginning to notice signs that there is a grease clog. It can melt grease and dissolve it in the drain pipes.
- Try a 50/50 mix of vinegar and boiling water to clear clogs that are more difficult. You can also try adding a tablespoon of baking soda to the drain. The fizzing action will help break down grease clogs.
- Whatever boiling solution you use, make sure to follow it up with plunging. Although this is not a long-term solution it will remove enough grease to allow water to drain.
If none of these options work, it could be that the clog is too deep (boiling water cools before reaching the clog and doesn’t heat enough to melt grease) or the buildup may be too severe. How do you get grease out of a drainpipe when it is so far down? Call a professional Long Beach Plumber to help remove the clog.