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Post By Admin
October 26, 2024
Can You Pour Oil Down the Sink? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t!

The query “Can you put oil down the sink?” may be one of the most common internet searches for anyone who has just finished cooking – including yourself.  

It’s so tempting, right? You have all that leftover grease, and the sink seems like an easy solution. Well, hold your horses! If you have ever even thought of letting that oil go down the drain, let’s spend a moment talking about why this is a very poor idea.

Pouring oil down the kitchen sink can be pretty nasty, with excessive clogs and every other nasty thing like overflowing drains, bad odours flowing through your home. However, this is just but the beginning of the damage, as it could mean costly repair work coming from blocked drain specialists

If you are not fond of smelly drains or costly damage repair out of nowhere, let’s dive into why you really need to avoid this habit and what you can do instead.

Can You Pour Oil Down the Sink?

So, what exactly happens when you pour oil down the sink?

It might sound harmless, but oil and grease just don’t mix well with water. Once in your pipes, they begin to cool, solidify, and then stick to sides of your plumbing.

The longer this goes on, the more buildup occurs, until one day blockages set in – and that’s when the real trouble begins.

Imagine water starting to drain slower and slower until one day it stops altogether. You’ve now got an overflowing drain, and worse, it might come with a nasty odour as that trapped grease starts to rot. Smelly drains are often the first warning sign that your pipes are clogging up from all the grease.

Beyond your household plumbing, there’s a broader issue. When you pour oil down the sink, it can make its way into the public sewage system, causing significant clogs that affect entire neighbourhoods. 

The next thing you know, it’s not just your pipes that are blocked, but entire sewer lines! Taking away this practice can save both your home and the environment from potential hazards.

The Right Ways to Dispose of Cooking Oil

the right way to dispose of cooking oil

Now that you know pouring oil down the sink is a big no-no, let’s talk about how to get rid of it properly.

First things first, always let the oil cool. 

Once it’s cooled down, you can pour it into a sealable container. Everything from an empty can of soda, plastic bottle, or jar will work. Then, when the container is full, just throw it away.

And, with less oil, you may even be able to just wipe out greasy pans with a paper towel and then toss the paper towel in your compost or garbage can.

Another great option is to recycle the oil. 

In Melbourne, you can drop off used cooking oil at a recycle centre. It’s an eco-friendly option that keeps your pipes clean and helps the environment. Check if your local recycling centre accepts cooking oil, and you’re good to go!

If you fry food on a regular basis, it is a good idea to save some of the leftover oil for later use after dinner in some other cooking – be sure to strain food particles first.

This can be an easy way to reduce your waste and not pour oil down the drain. So, you’ll no longer need to think about having to unblock the sink!

So What Do You Do When Your Pipe is Already Clogged?

Uh-oh, it looks like the damage’s been done. If you have been pouring oil down the drain and now your pipes are clogged – let’s just say, there are ways to fix it, thankfully 

Let’s go over some options to help you clear that blockage and get your drains flowing smoothly again.

​​1. Try a DIY method

illustration of diy method

First, you can give it a shot with one of those do-it-yourself remedies. A simple trick is pouring boiling water down the drain to loosen up any grease clogs.

Then, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar whose bubbling reaction will help break down the blockage. Let it sit for a few minutes, then flush again with hot water.

This will work in the case of small blockages; larger ones may call for professional assistance

2. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners

avoid using chemical drain cleaners

If the clog persists, you should avoid using chemical drain cleaners. 

Harsh products will damage your pipes, worsening the situation in the long term. Instead, reach out to professional plumbers that will resolve the issue once and for all. 

3. Prevent future clogs

preventing future clogs

Make sure to get rid of all the food scraps into the trash and never tip oil down the sink.

You can even install a grease trap under your sink, which collects grease and oil before it enters your pipes. It’s a simple way to prevent blocked drain, and keep things running smoothly.

4. Call a professional

calling a professional plumber

If DIY methods don’t work, it’s time to contact blocked drain specialists. 

Professionals have special tools like drain snakes and hydro-jetting equipment that will remove even the toughest blockages without causing any damage to your plumbing.

They can also check the status of your pipes and further advise you on the best ways you can avoid blockages in the future. 

Conclusion: Can You Pour Oil Down the Sink? Definitely Not!

To keep your kitchen running smoothly and avoid the hassle of clogged drains, it’s crucial to dispose of cooking oil properly. Pouring oil down the sink might seem convenient at the moment, but the long-term consequences aren’t worth it

Keep your plumbing in top shape by adopting better disposal habits!

Is a clogged pipe something that you’re experiencing already? Don’t wait for it to get worse. Call Neighborhood Plumbing Melbourne at 0488 885 122 today for all your plumbing needs, including blocked drains.

Want more tips on keeping your home’s plumbing in perfect shape free from overflowing drains, smelly kitchen sinks, and expensive repairs? Check out our other blog articles and take the first step toward a clog-free kitchen!

About the Author

Ricky Rizz

From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.

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