Blocked drains are a common problem in many households, and they can be frustrating to deal with. Clogs caused by fat, oil, and grease can build up over time, leading to slow drainage and even complete blockages. These substances are common in many household items, such as cooking oil, butter, gravy, and meat juices. Most homeowners aren’t aware of the damage caused by these substances when they are washed down the drain.
Causes of Blocked Drains
Many people don’t realize that fat, oil, and grease can lead to blocked drains. When these liquids are poured down the drain, they can stick to the inside of the pipes and build up over time, causing blockages. This not only creates an unpleasant smell but also affects the efficiency of the entire drainage system.
To avoid experiencing blocked drains in the future, there are a few things that you can do to mitigate the problem. Firstly, always use a strainer in your sink to catch any food particles, grease, or hair that may fall into it. Secondly, avoid pouring cooking oil or grease down the sink or throwing it in the toilet. Instead, store it in a separate container until it solidifies, and then throw it away in the trash can. Lastly, consider using soap products made with minimal fat, oil, and grease components.
Solutions for Blocked Drains
Now, let’s look at the best solutions for blocked drains. There are a variety of things you can try before calling a professional, outlined below!
- Hot Water: When you first experience a blocked drain, consider pouring boiling water down the drain. This can help to break up any build-up inside the pipe, even if it has begun to solidify.
- Caustic Drain Cleaners: Caustic drain cleaners can be another solution (especially for more difficult clogs) as they are designed to dissolve fat, oil, and grease.
- 1:1 Vinegar and Hot Water: Mix equal parts of hot water and vinegar and pour it down your drain. The vinegar is an acid and can be corrosive, which helps to break down any buildup along the way.
- Compressed Air: When used inside the sink and waste pipe, compressed air can help to clear blockages. More importantly, it’s much less harmful to the environment than many other solutions.
- Chemical Cleaners: Lastly, if other solutions have failed, consider using a chemical drain cleaner. However, be cautious when using these solutions, as they can be extremely toxic and hazardous.
When all else fails, consider calling a professional to deal with your blocked drain issue. Unclogging blockages caused by fat, oil, and grease can be especially difficult for homeowners. Fortunately, a professional drain cleaning service like Drane Ranger can help you unclog the drain with powerful tools and experience while ensuring minimal or even no damage to your pipes.
Hire a Professional
Drain blockages can be a hassle for homeowners, but it’s essential to recognize the root cause. Avoid pouring fat, oil, and grease substances down drains! Use a strainer to catch debris and consider using soap products that have minimal fat, oil, or grease components to avoid future blockages. However, suppose a blockage has already occurred. In that case, try the above-mentioned tips. If nothing works, call a professional (draneranger.com/grease-grit-lint-traps) to get the job done for you. At Drane Ranger, we specialize in clearing blocked drains and getting everything running smoothly again. Call us today for more information!