Grease clog in the kitchen drain

Symptoms

• Slow or blocked drainage in the kitchen sink
• Smell of old grease or food near the drain
• Problem often follows cooking with a lot of oil or fat
• Clog tends to recur if grease disposal habits don't change

Likely causes

• CommonSolidified grease coating the inside of the pipeFat, oil, and grease cool and harden on contact with the cooler pipe walls.
• CommonFood particles trapped in the grease layerGrease acts like glue, catching other debris and building a thicker clog over time.
• PossibleBuildup concentrated in the P-trapThe trap's curve is a common spot for grease to collect.
• PossibleGrease clog further down the branch lineCan occur if the clog has been building for a long time.

What to do

1. Stop pouring any more grease, oil, or fat down the drain right away.
2. Boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it down the drain in stages to help soften and move the grease (avoid on PVC pipes if concerned about heat, use very hot tap water instead).
3. Follow with a mix of baking soda and vinegar, letting it fizz for 15 minutes before flushing with hot water.
4. Plunge the drain firmly with the other basin covered for suction.
5. If still clogged, remove the P-trap under the sink and clean out any hardened grease found inside.
6. For a deeper clog, use a hand-crank drain snake through the trap arm toward the wall.
7. Reassemble the trap and run hot water to confirm normal flow.
8. Going forward, wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing and dispose of cooking fat in the trash.

Tools and parts

• Plunger
• Adjustable pliers
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Hand-crank drain snake

When to call a pro

Call a plumber if the grease clog persists after cleaning the trap and snaking, since it may extend further down the line.

Safety