Drain Cleaning Options for Grease in the Kitchen Sink 

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A common plumbing problem in the kitchen is a clogged sink caused by grease buildup. As a homeowner, you want to fix this quickly before the problem worsens. Before you decide on a solution, it can be helpful to know your different drain cleaning options. Here are a few ways to clear your drain:

Boiling Water 

Boiling water is a powerful and eco-friendly drain cleaning tool that dissolves and removes buildup, leaving your sink running smoothly. Boil a pot of water and confirm it’s enough to fill the sink to a decent level.

Slowly pour the boiling water down the drain. Pouring the water slowly can prevent it from splashing back on you. This can help break down any buildup in the pipes and loosen any stuck grease. There should be no food debris or chunks blocking the drain.

Wait a few minutes before testing to see if the water is draining freely. If the sink is still having trouble draining, repeat the process. Clean the pipes thoroughly. Use hot water to flush the drains for a few minutes. This step can help eliminate any remaining dirt, debris, and grease in your pipes. To avoid future sink clogs, repeat this process every two to three weeks to prevent buildup in your pipes.

Baking Soda and Vinegar 

Pour a cup of baking soda into the sink. Baking soda is naturally abrasive and alkaline — ideal for breaking down and dissolving grease deposits. Distribute the baking soda evenly all around the sink, including the sides.

Pour a cup of vinegar on top of the baking soda. Vinegar is an acid that reacts with baking soda, creating a foaming reaction that helps to dislodge and dissolve the blockages. Cover the sink with a plug or a cloth to prevent the fizz from escaping. Leave the solution to work for a few minutes.

Remove the cloth or plug and rinse the sink with hot water. Hot water can help flush away any remaining blockages and wash away the vinegar and baking soda mixture. 

If the sink is still clogged, repeat the process, and this time, leave the solution for a longer period of time. Baking soda and vinegar may take time to dissolve thick, stubborn grease deposits. You may have to repeat the process until the sink is completely clear.

Plunger

Fill the sink halfway with water to use a plunger to clear grease clogs in a kitchen sink. Place the plunger over the drain opening while it is completely submerged in the water. Pump the plunger up and down to create strong suction pressure. This can help to loosen the clog and allow it to move further down the pipe. Continue pumping until the water drains freely.

Drain Snake

A drain snake is a slender, flexible cable that can be inserted into the drain and rotated until it penetrates the clog. To use a drain snake, insert it into the drain and keep pushing it down while twisting it clockwise. Keep doing this until it hits the clog, then twist it counterclockwise to break through the blockage. Gently pull the snake back up the drain to dislodge the clog.

Chemical Drain Cleaners

If the above drain cleaning options don’t work, use a chemical drain cleaner to dissolve the grease buildup. These cleaners contain harsh chemicals such as sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Be careful when using them, as they can be dangerous if they come in contact with your skin. To use a chemical drain cleaner, pour it down the sink and follow the instructions on the package.

Pour the recommended amount into the sink’s drain. Pour it slowly to have time to dissolve the grease fully. Leave the cleaner to sit in the drain for a few hours before running hot water to flush out the chemicals. 

Hydro Jet

A hydro jet is a specialized plumbing tool that uses high-pressure water to clear clogs and clean out the inside of the pipes. It can remove even the toughest grease buildup, roots, and other debris inside the pipes. A licensed plumber can use a hydro jet on your kitchen sink’s drain to accurately target the blockage and blast it away. 

Hire a Plumber for Drain Cleaning Services

Keeping your kitchen sink’s drain clean and grease-free can help prevent plumbing problems. If you’ve tried some of these drain cleaning options and the clog persists, then it’s time to call a professional plumber. Professional drain cleaning services have the right tools and expertise to unclog any blockage, regardless of its severity.