Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.
Pouring boiling water directly into a cold porcelain or stoneware cup, bowl or mug may cause the item / glaze to crack (thermal shock).
Generally, porcelain will melt or break when you subject it to temperatures above 1600C. This temperature is attainable when you expose porcelain tile to direct heat, such as that of a fireplace. Direct exposure will cause the porcelain to crack, melt or even explode.
If you need to heat some in the microwave or the stovetop, you don't want it to reach boiling temperatures. Boiling water can cause toilet porcelain to crack. Allow the hot fluid to sit in the toilet for a few minutes to loosen the clog.
If you pour hot water into a porcelain vessel that is not heat-resistant, it is possible that the porcelain could crack or break as a result of the thermal shock. Similarly, if you place a hot porcelain vessel in cold water, it could also be prone to cracking or breaking due to the rapid temperature change.
Porcelain is less likely to crack under extreme heat, whereas ceramic can become damaged, cracked, or even change shape when exposed to extreme heat.
The fact that they endure such high temperatures during fabrication makes them resistant to hot environments such as the kitchen. A porcelain countertop can handle hot pans and pots placed on its surface. The porcelain won't smoke, burn, or emit any harmful substance.
Extremely hot water in a cold sink
In the case of less durable materials such as porcelain, fiberglass, wood and glass, these materials will eventually break down and erode if exposed to drastic temperature shifts over long periods of time. These usually will manifest as cracks, material stripping or warping.
The most common causes of hairline cracks are impact, age, and accidents. While tanks are generally sturdy, an impact with a heavy object or a person can cause a small hairline crack that expands over time.
Over-reduction of the incisal edge is one of the most common causes of porcelain fracture.
First, put the piece on a flat surface, such as a tabletop. Then give it a little tap. “If it rings it's probably fine,” Lackey says. “If it's a dull sound, it means you'll want to look a lot closer.” That dull sound usually — although not always — will indicate a crack or defect.
Crazing refers to small hairline cracks in glazed surfaces that usually appear after firing but can appear years later. It is caused by a mismatch in the thermal expansions of glaze and body. Most ceramics expand slightly on heating and contract on cooling.
Porcelain tile is highly durable. Because it is extremely hard and dense, this tile resists wear, scratching, chipping, and cracking. That makes it an exceptional choice for homes with pets and active children.
Porcelain tiles tend to be harder, more resilient and more stain-resistant than ceramic tiles. They are one of the easiest types of tile to maintain but their surface can eventually be eroded by the regular use of corrosive chemicals such as ammonia, bleach or acids that can also damage the grout and loosen the tiles.
Because the boiling temperature of the water is 212 degrees Fahrenheit, it is too hot for direct contact with porcelain sinks and PVC pipes. If you are sure your sink and pipes are neither of the above, slowly pour the boiling water directly down the drain.
These can appear for a number of reasons, but ultimately time will be what makes them worse. It could take months, years or even decades for a crack to really become pronounced in your porcelain! In kitchens (and some bathrooms), temperature changes can be a major culprit in the formation of porcelain cracks.
Typically, the most common causes for hairline cracks in toilet bowls are: Accidental bumps to the toilet. Toilets losing durability due to age. Over tightening toilet bolts.
Lightly sand the damaged area with 120-grit sandpaper to knock down any sharp edges. A light sanding should be all it takes. Use painter's tape to mask off the rest of the porcelain surface around the damaged area. Porcelain patching glazed and epoxies can run so it's best to protect the surrounding area.
The clays used for ceramic tile are less dense than porcelain clays, which means ceramic tiles are somewhat more prone to cracking and breaking. Unglazed ceramic tiles may also need to have sealers applied to the entire tile, not just the grout lines.
What is crazing? Crazing is the effect on pottery which causes it to have a web of tiny cracks over its surface. These are not cracks in the actual structure of the pottery but actually an effect on the glazed part of the pottery.
Things to Avoid
Stay away from products with bleach or ammonia because they can change the tile or grout coloring. If you need to scrub your floors, make sure not to use any brushes with hard bristles since they can scratch the porcelain surface.
Porcelain. When brewing white and green teas you want to use a porcelain teapot. They have thinner walls than ceramic and will maintain the heat for a shorter time than ceramic. This is perfect for brewing white and green teas as they are brewed at lower temperatures.
The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how it's made. Both tiles are made from a clay mixture that's fired in a kiln, but porcelain tile is made from more refined clay and it's fired at higher temperatures. This makes it denser and more durable than ceramic tile.
More specifically, porcelain tiles are what is often referred to as “moisture proof.” As you might imagine, this means that they are impervious to moisture, which means that they aren't likely to get easily damaged simply by being in bathrooms or even wet rooms.