How to Clear a Grease-Clogged Kitchen Drain

How to Clear a Grease-Clogged Kitchen Drain

Advanced
30 min
7 Steps
28 items

A comprehensive guide to clearing a kitchen sink drain clogged with grease. This process starts with simple home remedies like boiling water and a baking soda/vinegar solution, then progresses to more involved mechanical methods such as using a plunger, manually cleaning the P-trap, and finally employing a drain snake for deeper blockages. The instructions are tailored for a completely blocked double kitchen sink with a garbage disposal.

Based on content from
The Plumbers Plunger· 201K subscribers· +30 more

Best for experienced DIYers and homeowners with some experience with basic plumbing knowledge and familiarity with power tools. Requires Tracker Safe 5-1/2 in. x 9-3/4 in. Elastic 3-Magazine Holder for Gun Safe PE3 and Rubber-Cal and Nexgrill Heat Resistant Grilling Gloves with Silicone Grip 530-0025N.

Tools & Materials

Bucket

Bucket

Ideal for carrying or storing liquids.

Tracker Safe 5-1/2 in. x 9-3/4 in. Elastic 3-Magazine Holder for Gun Safe PE3

Tracker Safe 5-1/2 in. x 9-3/4 in. Elastic 3-Magazine Holder for Gun Safe PE3

The Tracker Safe PE3 is a must have safe accessory. It can hold 3 pistol magazines OR 3 AR style magazines. It can be placed anywhere there is carpet, i.e., back of safe doors, inside walls of safes, cars, trucks, etc. Keep your pistol magazines ready and organized with the Tracker Safe PE3. The PE3 pocket is constructed of strong durable nylon fabric on the front and the back is fully covered in Velcro. In the center is a thick plastic core that gives the PE3 its rigidity. The individual pistol magazine holders are made with thick elastic that holds the magazine(s) firmly in place. The elastic stretches to fit most pistol magazines on the market. Please test your safe's carpet for compatibility with Velcro.

Rubber-Cal

Rubber-Cal

Add a welcoming and beautiful aesthetic to your double doorway with this set of two double doormats. Included in this affordable set is the beautiful

Common Problems

Water splashes out of the sink when clearing a grease clog.

Solution: If the water level is close to the lip, scoop out some liquid before you begin to avoid splashing.

Pushing grease can lodge it deeper in the pipes.

Solution: The goal is to use suction to pull the blockage back into the bowl, not push it through the trap.

Plunger won't create suction if the sink isn't deep enough.

Solution: Make sure there's enough water in the sink to cover the cup of the plunger.

Plunger won't work effectively if the sink is full of water.

Solution: If the sink is completely clogged, remove some water before plunging.

A poor seal prevents effective plunging, leaving the drain clogged.

Solution: Add petroleum jelly to the rim of the plunger to create a better seal.

A weak or ineffective plunger won't dislodge stubborn grease clogs.

Solution: It's all about the plunger. A good quality plunger will provide much better results.

Plunging is ineffective because air escapes through the overflow.

Solution: Blocking the overflow is a critical step for effective plunging in a bathtub.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the boiling water and baking soda solution doesn't completely clear the grease clog in my double kitchen sink?

If initial home remedies fail, it's time to move to mechanical methods. For a double sink, start by plunging the drain that is experiencing the clog, ensuring the other side is sealed off with a stopper. If that doesn't work, proceed to disassembling and cleaning the P-trap, as grease often accumulates there before deeper blockages.

It's strongly advised against using chemical drain cleaners, especially with a garbage disposal. They can corrode pipes, damage the disposal's components, and create hazardous fumes or splash-back. This guide focuses on safer, more effective mechanical methods for clearing grease clogs.

Always wear protective eyewear and waterproof gloves to shield against dirty water or potential splashes. Ensure the work area is well-lit and place a bucket directly under the P-trap before loosening any pipes to catch residual water and debris. Critically, disconnect power to the garbage disposal at the breaker before working on it or any connected pipes.

This project is rated as 'beginner' difficulty. While it involves several steps and some specific tools, each action is straightforward. Expect to spend 1-3 hours, depending on the severity and location of the clog and your comfort level with basic plumbing tasks, assuming you have most tools on hand.

A bucket, plunger, and tongue and groove pliers are essential for basic P-trap removal and plunging. While you can improvise a drain snake with a coat hanger for very shallow clogs, a proper drain auger is highly recommended for deeper blockages to prevent pipe damage and ensure effectiveness. Don't improvise on safety gear like protective eyewear.

If the clog affects the disposal side, try running the disposal briefly first to see if it clears any food debris. When plunging, always seal the non-clogged sink basin with a stopper to create proper suction in the affected drain. If the clog is deeper, you'll likely need to access the P-trap connected to the disposal, after ensuring its power is disconnected.

To prevent future grease clogs, always wipe excess grease and food scraps from pans into the trash before washing. Never pour cooking oils, fats, or coffee grounds down the drain. Periodically flush your drain with a kettle of boiling water or a baking soda/vinegar solution as a proactive maintenance measure.

Rate This Project

Be the first to rate

Start DIY

30 min | 7 Steps