Unfortunately, many people resort to pouring grease down their drains because it is a convenient shortcut to take. This may be an easy solution at the time, but it can cause problems for you later on. The most likely result will be a clogged drain.
Water drainage will become slower over time and eventually stop altogether. Here are some ways that you can correct this problem and prevent it from happening in the future.
Identifying a Grease Clogged Drain:
A grease clog is a little different to the typical kinds of clogs that we are more likely to encounter. Scraps of food debris can cause a blockage in your drain when the dishes are emptied after a meal. This kind of blockage is immediately obvious; it’s very easy to identify the cause and simple to remove the debris. A grease clog is a blockage that develops over time slowly, as it grows the drainage of water will slow down until it stops altogether and eventually even backups can occur. This kind of clog will not be easy to remove; it will sit deep in your pipes and resist the more usual methods for removing clogs.
Removing a Grease Clog:
Regular clog removal is a simple task for the majority of people with no plumbing experience. Because of this may homeowners take on the task of removing a grease clog themselves believing it will also be simple. The method most people try is running very hot water into the drain to try to clear the grease clog. This may work if the clog is smaller, but it is more likely that the grease clog will simply be forced further down into the drain making it harder to remove. If this happens, it may be necessary to remove pipes and use specialized equipment to locate and remove the clog. This can be a daunting task for those of us without plumbing experience, and a lack of knowledge could even cause damage to the drain. For this reason, it is recommended that you call your plumber and let them handle the problem. A qualified professional has the experience and tools to get your drains working effectively again.
How to Prevent Future Grease Clogs:
The old adage “prevention is better than the cure” is very applicable in this particular instance. The presence of a grease clog indicates that the grease is not being disposed of in the correct way and an adjustment is necessary. Ensure that all grease is scraped into a garbage can before the dishes are washed. Some grease will inevitably remain, but the more you can remove the better and the chances of a grease clog developing will be reduced significantly. This will ensure that the drains work efficiently and that a future visit from your
local plumber is not required.
Grease clogged drains can be corrected, but prevention is certainly better than cure. With a little care and consideration, you can keep your drains in good condition and avoid the risk of flooding and other plumbing complications.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solutions.
