Ultimately, pouring boiling water down the drain can be a useful method for dealing with certain types of clogs, but do note that it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Yes, pouring boiling water down a drain is a tactic many often try as a first step to unclogging a drain. If the clog is from soap or grease, often boiling water can loosen it.
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.
PVC drain pipes are more susceptible to damage from boiling water compared to other plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene, and of course metallic pipe materials.
Boiling Water
You don't want to boil your glass, as this could cause it to break, but you can soak it in hot water to break up residue and buildup. Boil enough water to submerge your glass pipe. Once the water begins to boil, remove it from the heat, and place your glass in the water.
So, regularly subjecting your kitchen pipeline to boiling water will only soften or melt its joints (usually held together with glue). Over time, the water pipes will deteriorate and leak, requiring immediate repairs or replacement.
Properties and Uses: Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a highly corrosive acid used extensively by plumbers to clear severe clogs. It reacts rapidly with organic materials in drains, breaking them down into simpler compounds that can be easily flushed away.
The fizzing reaction and gas created may help loosen some small blockages. However, it is not typically strong enough to break down larger clogs or remove hard-to-reach debris. As a result of the above facts, if you have a serious drain clog, using baking soda and vinegar is unlikely to be effective.
While it is okay to pour boiling water down sink drains, you should never use boiling water in your toilet, as the heat can cause the porcelain to crack. Instead, run your tub until the water is hot and fill a good-sized stockpot or bucket with it.
Apply any household spray cleaner on the PVC pipe and allow it to soak. Next, use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away dirt particles from hard-to-reach areas inside the PVC pipe. Wipe down the PVC pipe with a lint-free cloth. Repeat the process as necessary.
While boiling water eliminates bacteria in the water, it does not make the tap water pure. Water can contain other contaminants such as microplastics, pesticides, fertilisers, industrial chemicals, hormones, medications, heavy metals and neurotoxic microorganisms which are not removed through boiling water.
Chemical cleaners can eat away at your pipes, and boiling water can melt important components. Over time, this damage can lead to leaks and expensive plumbing repairs. Before you turn to DIY methods, let's look at some safer ways to care for your home's plumbing system.
Pour hot water down the drain, followed by a cup of baking soda. Let it sit for a few minutes to work its magic on the gunk. After a few minutes, add a mixture of hot water and vinegar. This chemical reaction generates fizz, which can help break down the nastiest clogs.
Heat 2 or 4 liters of water on your stove or in a kettle to just short of boiling. Add about 1/2 cup of salt. Try pouring this down the drain, then wait 15 minutes before seeing if it will clear more easily. If you need a stronger cleaning, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, then add 1/2 cup of vinegar.
While harmless for most metal and PVC pipes, prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of vinegar might corrode certain metals, like copper. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can withstand these substances without damage.
Plumbers choose hydro jetting equipment for the most stubborn, deep-set clogs. This drain clearing tool uses high-pressure water to flush your pipes and remove years of buildup. The water jet is so strong that it can even break up any tree roots that have found their way into your sewer line.
The Santeen Sulfuric Acid Drain Opener proved to be the most potent among all the chemical drain cleaners we tested, effectively dissolving 80% of the hair, 80% of the organic matter, 40% of the grease and 76% of the paper products.
How do I clear an outside drain blocked with fat? Boil a kettle full of water and, wearing long sleeve gloves, goggles and a mask, pour it down the outside drain being careful not to cause any to splash back onto your skin. If hot water doesn't work, you can try using caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide.
Fill a tea kettle or pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Slowly and carefully pour the water into the drain. Ideally, the water will start to clear the clog almost immediately and you'll be able to add the rest of the water without filling the basin. Allow the water to drain.
Clean Your Drain
Boiling Water: Pour boiling water down your drains to wash away gnats and their eggs. Baking Soda Solutions: Use a mixture of salt, baking soda, and white vinegar to foam away bacteria in your pipes. Chemical Cleaners: For intense infestations, consider using a chemical cleaner like Drano.