Holiday Plumbing Tips from PK Plumbing
The holidays are a time for family, food, and celebration, but they can also bring some unexpected plumbing problems. With all the cooking, entertaining, and extra use of your plumbing system, it’s no surprise that clogged drains become a common issue during this season. One of the top culprits behind holiday plumbing woes is grease and food waste, which can quickly cause blockages in kitchen drains.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to safely and effectively clear a drain clogged with grease or food—so you can get back to enjoying your holiday without the headache.
Why Do Drains Clog with Grease and Food?
During the holiday season, many people prepare big meals—roasts, gravies, mashed potatoes, and all sorts of fatty, greasy dishes. It’s easy to forget that grease and food scraps shouldn’t go down your drains, even though they might seem like liquid at first. Grease, in particular, solidifies as it cools, creating sticky clumps that can trap other food debris and cause stubborn clogs.
When grease builds up over time, it narrows the drain pipe and slows the flow of water. Eventually, it can cause a full-blown blockage that results in slow drainage or even a complete backup.
How to Clear a Clogged Drain with Grease or Food
If you’re dealing with a clogged drain during the holidays, don’t panic! There are several methods you can try to clear the blockage before calling in the pros. Here’s what you can do:
1. Use Boiling Water
The simplest method to break up grease clogs is to pour boiling water down the drain. The heat will help melt the grease, allowing it to flow through the pipes more easily.
How to do it:
- Boil a kettle of water.
- Carefully pour the boiling water down the drain in stages, waiting about 30 seconds between each pour.
- Check if the water drains more easily after a few rounds. If it does, repeat the process until the clog is gone.
Pro tip: If you can’t use boiling water due to the material of your pipes (like PVC), try hot tap water instead. It might not be as effective, but it can still help loosen up some of the grease.
2. Baking Soda and Vinegar Solution
A natural and eco-friendly way to clear a grease or food clog is by using baking soda and vinegar. This combination creates a fizzing reaction that can break down grease and grime in your pipes.
How to do it:
- Pour ½ cup of baking soda down the clogged drain.
- Follow with ½ cup of vinegar.
- Cover the drain with a plug or cloth to trap the fizzing action inside.
- Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.
This method can work wonders for minor grease clogs and food debris.
3. Plunge the Drain
If the clog persists, a plunger might be your next best option. The suction created by the plunger can help dislodge food particles and grease buildup.
How to do it:
- Place a plunger over the drain, making sure there’s enough water in the sink to cover the plunger’s cup.
- Push down firmly and pull up with force to create suction.
- Repeat this motion several times to loosen the clog.
- Once the clog is dislodged, flush the drain with hot water to clear out any remaining grease or food.
4. Use a Drain Snake or Auger
If your clog is stubborn and other methods haven’t worked, you may need a drain snake or auger. These tools allow you to manually break up or pull out the blockage in your drain.
How to do it:
- Insert the snake or auger into the drain and turn the handle to feed it into the pipe.
- Once you feel resistance, continue turning the handle to break up or catch the grease or food clog.
- Slowly pull the tool back out, clearing the debris as you go.
- After the clog is removed, flush the drain with hot water to ensure it’s fully clear.
Pro tip: If you’re not comfortable using a drain snake, PK Plumbing’s professional team can handle the job for you.
When to Call in the Pros
If you’ve tried these DIY methods and the clog persists, it might be time to call a professional plumber. Persistent grease or food clogs could indicate a more serious issue, such as a deep blockage or pipe damage. PK Plumbing has the expertise and equipment to address stubborn drain problems and ensure your plumbing system is working efficiently for the long haul.
Our team can also perform preventative maintenance, helping to avoid future clogs and plumbing issues during the busy holiday season.
Preventing Grease and Food Clogs in the Future
The best way to deal with grease and food-related clogs is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few simple tips to help keep your drains clear during the holidays and beyond:
- Never pour grease down the drain: Pour grease into a container or jar, then dispose of it in the trash once it cools.
- Use a drain strainer: Place a strainer over your kitchen sink to catch food scraps and prevent them from going down the drain.
- Regularly clean your drains: A monthly routine of hot water, baking soda, and vinegar can help keep your pipes clear and prevent build-up.
Contact PK Plumbing for Your Holiday Plumbing Needs
If you’re experiencing a clogged drain, don’t let it ruin your holiday celebrations! At PK Plumbing, we’re here to help with all of your plumbing needs, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs. Our experienced technicians can quickly resolve your plumbing issues, so you can focus on what really matters—enjoying time with family and friends.
For fast, reliable service in St. Louis, contact PK Plumbing today. We’ll ensure your plumbing is working flawlessly throughout the holiday season and beyond.