Post By Admin
January 30, 2025Who even pours used oil into the sink nowadays? A lot of people, unfortunately. Perhaps, even you did it often—until now, when you’re stuck with an oil clogged drain and desperately looking for a fix.
But, why not take matters into your own hands? Learning how to unclog oil in a sink isn’t just a handy skill—it’s your ticket to never dealing with this nightmare again.
Let’s start!
How Do You Know that Your Sink is Clogged with Fat and Oil?
If you have a habit of pouring oil down the sink, you might not notice the damage right away—but over time, it builds up into a stubborn blockage.
One of the first signs of a fat clogged sink is slow drainage. Water takes longer than usual to go down, often pooling around the drain before it disappears.
This happens because the oil and grease harden inside the pipes, narrowing the passage for water to flow.
Another clear indicator is an unpleasant odor. That lingering, rancid smell coming from your sink? It’s likely trapped grease breaking down, releasing foul odours that won’t go away no matter how much you clean the surface.
If you’re wondering, can oil clog a sink? The answer is a resounding yes. Cooking oil, butter, and greasy food scraps stick to the pipes, creating a sticky, solid mess that’s tough to remove.
Next question might be: how to remove the oil stick in the sink? Read on to learn the best methods!
How to Get Rid of Oil and Fat from Your Sink Drain
Now that you have an answer to your question: does oil clog drains? It’s time to discover how to get oil out of the sink drain.
1. Pouring Boiling Water Down the Drain
Even though we actually don’t recommend this method as it can damage your pipes, it’s great for breaking down oil.
If you decide to flush your sink with boiling water, make sure your plumbing isn’t too old and that your pipes aren’t made of PVC, which can warp under extreme heat.
Also, always wear safety gloves to avoid burns. This method works best for minor grease buildup but won’t be enough for severe blockages.
2. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar is another popular DIY combo to unblock a drain, though it’s not the best solution for serious clogs. If you’re dealing with a mild blockage, this method is worth a try.
Simply pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz and break down the grease for about 15 minutes, then flush it out with hot water.
While this won’t completely clear the issue, it helps loosen up lighter grease buildup.
3. Use Dish Soap and Hot Water
If you want a gentler approach that won’t risk pipe damage, try dish soap and hot water.
Fill a pot with hot (but not boiling) water and mix in a generous amount of grease-cutting dish soap. Pour it slowly down the drain to help break down the oil and wash it away.
This method works especially well for dissolving soft grease clogs and is a great way to maintain the plumbing system regularly before major issues arise.
4. Try Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners
For a more effective and eco-friendly solution, enzyme-based drain cleaners can also break down grease without harming your pipes.
Because these cleaners use natural bacteria to digest the oil buildup over time.
Just follow the instructions on the bottle, which usually requires you to pour the solution down the drain and let it sit overnight before rinsing with warm water.
FAQ about Clogged Sink due to Oil and Fat
What dissolves oil in the sink?
To break down greasy buildup, use a mix of boiling water and dish soap or pour in baking soda and vinegar for a fizzy, oil-fighting reaction. For tougher clogs, a degreasing drain cleaner can help.
What do I do if I accidentally pour grease down the drain?
Act fast! Immediately flush it with boiling water and dish soap to prevent buildup. If the grease has already cooled, sprinkle baking soda, followed by vinegar, let it sit, then rinse with hot water. Don’t wait—oil hardens quickly!
Is it OK to throw used oil in the sink?
Absolutely not! Throwing oil down the sink is the fastest way to clog your pipes and invite expensive plumbing issues. Instead, let it cool, store it in a sealed container, and dispose of it properly or recycle it.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to unclog oil in the sink, you can tackle greasy blockages before they turn into a plumbing disaster.
But let’s be honest—not everyone enjoys dealing with stubborn sink clogs. If you’d rather skip the hassle, just call Neighbourhood Plumbing! We’ll handle the mess while you sit back, relax, and watch your sink shine again.
About the Author
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.
