Kitchen Sink Stopped Up With Grease

A clogged kitchen sink is a common plumbing problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including grease buildup. Grease is a sticky substance that can accumulate in your sink drain over time, causing it to become clogged and slow to drain. If you have a kitchen sink that is stopped up with grease, there are a few things you can do to clear the clog and get your sink draining properly again.

1. Pour boiling water down the drain.

One of the simplest ways to clear a grease clog is to pour boiling water down the drain. The hot water will help to melt the grease and break up the clog. To do this, boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain. Be sure to pour the water slowly to avoid splashing yourself.

2. Use a drain cleaner.

If boiling water does not clear the clog, you can try using a drain cleaner. Drain cleaners are chemical solutions that can help to dissolve grease and other clogs. To use a drain cleaner, follow the instructions on the product label. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using drain cleaners, as they can be harmful if they come into contact with your skin or eyes.

3. Snake the drain.

If boiling water and drain cleaner do not clear the clog, you may need to snake the drain. A drain snake is a long, flexible tool that can be inserted into the drain to break up clogs. To snake the drain, insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle to feed the snake down the drain. Once the snake reaches the clog, use the handle to turn the snake back and forth to break up the clog. Be careful not to push the snake too far down the drain, as you could damage the pipes.

4. Call a plumber.

If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber can use a variety of tools and techniques to clear clogs, including hydro-jetting and snaking. Hydro-jetting is a process that uses high-pressure water to clear clogs. Snaking is a process that uses a long, flexible tool to break up clogs.

5. Prevent grease clogs.

The best way to prevent grease clogs is to keep grease out of your sink drain. Here are a few tips for preventing grease clogs:

Scrape grease from dishes and pots into the trash before washing them.
Wipe down greasy surfaces with a paper towel before washing them.
Pour used cooking oil into a container and dispose of it in the trash.
Run hot water down the drain after washing dishes to help melt grease and prevent it from building up.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent grease clogs and keep your kitchen sink draining properly.