How to Clean Grease Out of Sink Drains

Believe it or not, clogged sinks most commonly lead to finding grease buildup in the drain. More often than not, homeowners think that pouring grease down the drain isn’t a big deal… until it is. 

When you pour hot grease down your sink, you’re giving it the chance to harden inside your drain. This will then cause the drain itself to become completely blocked from grease buildup. 

Let’s go over the best ways to clean grease out of your sink drains. 

How to Tell if You Have a Clogged Drain Due to Grease 

The simple truth behind this is that you pretty much know if you have been pouring grease down your drain after you cook. Think of your cooking habits; do you see yourself putting grease and other foods down your sink that probably shouldn’t be going down there?

If this is the case, it’s most likely grease that’s clogging up your drain. 

Do You Notice These Symptoms? 

• Very slow drainage, which gets worse as time goes by
• Bad odor near your sink that won’t go away – typically smells like rotten food
• Gurgling noises when the sink is trying to drain

The Best Tactics to Cleaning Grease From a Drain

Depending on the severity of the clog, you can definitely try these DIY ways for unclogging a drain with grease in it. If the clog seems too severe, it’s best to call a professional to take care of the issue for you. 

One of the best ways to try to push the clog through is to use a pot of boiling water. The heat from the water can have the ability to reheat the grease thus sliding it down the drain. 

For a tougher clog, try baking soda, vinegar and boiling water. The best way to use this combination is to put a few tablespoons of baking soda down your drain first. Then, you need equal parts of vinegar and boiling water. After you have put the baking soda in, pour the vinegar and water mixture down the drain. This combination will do the trick! 

After using either of these solutions, it’s always best to plunge the drain afterwards. This gives extra force and pressure to try and push as much of that grease out as possible. This is going to be a permanent problem to the solution, but it will definitely help your sink drain properly until you are able to get professional help to completely clear the line. 

Final Thoughts 

If none of these solutions seem to be working for you, it could be because the clog is too far down the drain. If this is the case, it’s best to call a professional to come and take care of the clog for you. Using a drain auger could also work well to unclog the line, but keep in mind that most of the time this is only a temporary fix. 

Call 1-Tom-Plumber 

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any help with your drains or need a drain cleaning service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. 

We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.