How to Clear a Grease Clogged Drain

Typically a blocked drain will run slowly and make a gurgling noise. You may notice a nasty smell. That means it is time to take action to pre-empt a major grease clogged drain blockage.

How to Clear a Grease Clogged Drain

The method to clear a blocked drain depends on the severity of the blockage. Here are some remedies to try in order of cost and difficulty.

1. Pour boiling hot water down the drain

If you know for sure that your plumbing system is made of metal pipes, not plastic, you could try pouring boiling water down the drain to flush it out. If you have a modern system with plastic pipes, do not do this – you risk softening the pipes or melting them.

2. Hot water and vinegar

A half and half mixture of hot water and vinegar works well. It is non-toxic and less corrosive than a commercial drain cleaner. The boiled water melts the grease stuck to the walls of your pipes and the vinegar then takes it away. Try following it up a few minutes later with a second dose if it does not clear the blockage first time around.

3. Use a plunger

A plunger forces air through standing water to dislodge clogs. This is often a short-term fix that doesn’t eradicate the problem permanently as it just moves the blockage.

4. Compressed air

You can use a compressed air drain gun to break up the blockage and push the remnants further down the pipe. We recommend only considering this after trying the first three remedies and consulting a plumber first.

5. Hydro sewer jet

You can rent a hydro jet, but if you are not experienced at using one, we would recommend you call a professional drain cleaner.

L&W Heating & Plumbing

For trustworthy local plumbers in the North West, call the team at L&W Heating and Plumbing. We are a family run company with more than 30 years of experience. From a leaky tap to a replacement boiler, our Gas Safe registered engineers can take care of all your plumbing needs. Call us today on a number below for a free quote:-

Plumbers Wigan 01942 417220
Plumbers St Helens 01744 776140
Plumbers Newton Le Willows 01925 394260
Plumbers Warrington 01925 394260
Plumbers Runcorn 01925 394260
Plumbers Widnes 01925 394260