Mesh strainers really do save the day, but I swear, no matter how many I install, someone always manages to dump rice or eggshells down the drain. Had a call once where a whole spoon ended up in the trap—don’t ask me how. About the hot water thing, I’ve seen some PVC pipes warp over time from folks pouring boiling water straight down, especially in older homes. Hot tap’s safer for sure. And grease... yeah, it’s like plumbing kryptonite. The candle wax description is spot on—seen plenty of those “grease candles” myself. Regular wipe downs and strainers make all the difference, but sometimes you just gotta get in there and snake it out when things go sideways.
Funny you mention the spoon—I've pulled out a fork and even a shot glass once. People just don't pay attention. About the boiling water, I've always wondered if it actually helps much with grease or just pushes the problem further down the line. Ever had to deal with a clog that was way past the trap because of that? Those are a pain.
About the boiling water, I've always wondered if it actually helps much with grease or just pushes the problem further down the line.
- Honestly, I’ve seen boiling water do more harm than good with grease. It melts the fat just enough to send it deeper, then it cools and solidifies somewhere you can’t reach.
- Had a tenant pour boiling water down after every greasy meal—ended up with a clog halfway to the main stack. Snaking that was a nightmare.
- I get why people try it, but I’d rather see folks use enzyme-based drain cleaners or even just wipe pans out before washing.
- The “out of sight, out of mind” approach doesn’t work with plumbing. If you’re not careful, you’re just moving the problem where it’s harder (and pricier) to fix.
- As for random stuff in drains... found a whole butter knife once. Still not sure how that happened.
Not saying boiling water never works, but for grease? I’d skip it.
Title: Finally Got Rid of Those Kitchen Clogs for Good
- Boiling water and grease is like giving your pipes a temporary vacation, but the mess always comes back home. I’ve pulled out some wild stuff from kitchen drains—grease stalactites, mystery gunk, even a Barbie shoe once. Boiling water just sends the fat on a road trip until it cools off and throws a party somewhere deeper.
- If you’re dealing with grease, wiping pans with a paper towel before washing is way more effective. Less goes down the drain, less to worry about later. Enzyme cleaners are decent for maintenance, but they’re not magic wands if you’ve already got a fatberg brewing.
- For folks who swear by boiling water, I get it—sometimes it works for minor soap scum or coffee grounds. But with grease? It’s like pushing snow under the rug. You don’t see it, but it’s still there... waiting to ruin your weekend.
- Had one call where someone tried to “flush out” bacon grease with hot water and dish soap. Ended up with a clog so bad we had to cut out a section of pipe. Smelled like an old diner in there for days.
- If you’re stuck with slow drains now, try a mix of baking soda and vinegar first (classic), then follow up with hot—not boiling—water. But honestly, prevention is king here.
People underestimate how quickly kitchen drains can turn into science experiments if you’re not careful. The weirdest thing I ever found was half a lemon and what looked like a Lego head jammed together in the trap. Still have no idea how that combo happened.
Bottom line: boiling water isn’t the hero people think it is for grease. Save yourself the headache and keep the fat out of the pipes in the first place. Your future self (and your plumber) will thank you.
Totally agree about the boiling water myth—learned that the hard way after thinking I was “fixing” my slow drain every month. Turns out I was just moving the problem further down the line. Wiping out pans with a paper towel before washing has saved me a ton of grief (and cash). I don’t love buying enzyme stuff, either—feels like throwing money at a problem that’s better handled with prevention. Had to fish out a spoon once that my kid swore “just disappeared.” Pipes are expensive to fix... prevention’s way cheaper.