This week, we helped a customer in Westbourne, Bournemouth who was dealing with a stubborn blockage in their kitchen sink. After a bit of detective work, we discovered that the problem was caused by a build-up of solidified fat inside the pipe. Over time, cooking fats, oils, and grease can cool down and harden, leading to clogs that can seriously disrupt your kitchen’s plumbing.
To get things flowing smoothly again, we removed the solidified fat and thoroughly cleared out the blockage. The result? A fully functional sink, and one happy customer!
Why Does Fat Cause Blockages?
Cooking fats and oils might seem harmless when they’re hot and liquid, but as soon as they cool down, they start to solidify. Once poured down the drain, these fats can stick to the inside of the pipes, gradually building up until a complete blockage occurs. Even small amounts can lead to big problems over time, especially if they mix with other debris like food particles, hair, or soap scum.
How to Remove Fat Build-Up from Your Pipes
If you find yourself dealing with a similar issue, here are a few methods you can try to clear out solidified fat from your pipes:
Pour Boiling Water Down the Plug Hole of Your Sink
Boiling water can help melt the fat build-up, allowing it to flow out of the kitchen waste pipe. However, this is usually a temporary fix, as the fats can re-solidify further down the pipe.
Use a Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution
Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the sink, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture fizz and work its way through the blockage for about 15 minutes, then flush it with boiling water. This can help break down the grease and other gunk.
Sink and Drain Cleaner (Use with Caution)
If natural methods don’t work, you can use a commercial sink and drain cleaner, like Mr Muscle. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and use it sparingly, as frequent use can damage your pipes.
Manually Clear the Pipe
If you’re comfortable with a bit of DIY, you can try removing the U-bend (the curved pipe under your sink) and manually clearing out the blockage. Place a bucket underneath to catch any water and debris, unscrew the pipe, and use a brush, wire or screwdriver to clear out the fat.
If none of these methods work, it’s time to call in the professionals. We’re always happy to help!
Preventing Fat Blockages in Your Kitchen Sink
The best way to deal with fat blockages is to stop them from happening in the first place. Here are some simple but effective ways to prevent future build-ups:
Avoid Pouring Fats Down the Drain
The most obvious solution is also the most effective: don’t pour fats, oils, or grease down the sink. Instead, let them cool down, scrape them into a container, and dispose of them in the bin.
Wipe Down Pots and Pans
Before washing your pots, pans, and dishes, use a paper towel to wipe away any grease or fat. This will stop excess fat from entering your drains in the first place.
Install a Sink Strainer
A simple strainer can catch food particles and other debris, preventing them from going down the drain and combining with fats to create blockages.
Regular Maintenance
Regularly flush your drains with boiling water or a baking soda and vinegar solution to keep things flowing smoothly.
Need Help with a Blocked Pipe? Call Us!
If you’re dealing with a blocked pipe and can’t seem to clear it, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you’re in Westbourne, Bournemouth, Poole, or the surrounding areas, our expert plumbers can quickly and efficiently clear your blockage, so you can get back to your day.
For more info and reliable plumbing services, contact us today.
Call us on 01202 985368 or book online.
We're your friendly, local plumbers in Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch and most BH postcodes - always here to help you keep your home running efficiently.
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