Want Clog-Free Pipes? Learn How to Dissolve Grease with Household Items

Dealing with a slow or clogged drain due to grease buildup can be incredibly frustrating. Drains blocked by thick, sticky grease won't properly carry water and waste, causing annoying backups and even pipe damage if left unchecked. While it may be tempting to reach for harsh chemical drain cleaners, you likely have some simple, natural ingredients in your pantry already that can break down and dissolve pesky grease obstructions.

From preventative measures like drain catchers to remedies like boiling water and enzyme cleaners, these grease-busting tips will help you avoid plumbing disasters and expensive repairs down the line.

Prevent Grease Buildup with Simple Habits

The best way to avoid grease-related clogs is to limit the amount of oil, fat, and grease that goes down your drains in the first place. It just takes a few simple habits.

Using a drain catcher or strainer when washing dishes will catch food scraps and grease before they even enter the pipe. Remember to empty out your drain catcher regularly before debris builds up and clogs the strainer. Flushing with very hot water after cooking meals or washing greasy pans will help melt any residual grease and flush it away before it has a chance to cool and stick to your pipes. And never pour fats, oils or grease directly down the drain - allow them to fully cool and solidify, then toss them in the garbage.

Unclog Drains with Baking Soda and Vinegar

If you've already got a slow or clogged drain from grease buildup, one of the most effective homemade drain cleaners is baking soda and vinegar. The chemical reaction created when vinegar and baking soda mix releases bubbling foam that helps break down fatty obstructions. Here's how to put this classic DIY drain de-clogger to work:

Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the blocked drain, followed by 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. The baking soda will begin fizzing and bubbling as it reacts with the acidic vinegar, working to break up the grease. Let the mixture sit and work for 5-10 minutes, then pour a kettle of boiling hot water down the drain to flush away the loosened gunk.

Boiling Water Melts Grease Deposits

Another grease-busting ingredient already in your kitchen is plain hot water. Heating water to a rapid boil helps melt fatty deposits that have formed along your pipe walls. After pouring a baking soda and vinegar treatment down your clogged drain, follow up by slowly and carefully pouring a large pot of boiling water down the drain. The hot water will melt any remaining greasy buildup and wash it safely down the pipes.

Detergent Cuts Through Grease

While dish soap alone isn't the most powerful grease remover, combining detergent with extremely hot water can help emulsify thick oil and grease obstructions. After bringing a large pot of water to a rapid boil on the stove, stir in a few tablespoons of liquid dish soap, then slowly pour the hot soapy mixture down the clogged drain. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before running the tap as normal.

Natural Enzyme Cleaners Dissolve Grease

For a greener way to keep drains free of grease buildup, consider using an enzyme-based drain cleaner. These natural cleaners use bacteria and enzymes to "eat" organic materials like fats, oils, grease, food scraps and more. Enzyme cleaners are often safer for pipes than harsh chemical drain openers.

Look for enzyme cleaners at your local hardware store or home improvement center. Simply pour the liquid down your drain, let it sit overnight, then flush with plenty of hot water. The enzymes will safely devour organic gunk and food waste. Use enzyme cleaners monthly to prevent grease accumulation.

Physically Remove Stubborn Clogs

If you have a severe grease clog that won't budge, you may need to physically remove the blockage. Use caution when attempting to physically clear a drain to avoid damaging pipes.

For minor clogs, a simple plunger can help break up and dislodge grease. Place the plunger tightly over the drain opening and plunge up and down rapidly 10-15 times to loosen the obstruction. An auger or drain snake is also effective for grease clogs deeper in the pipes. Feed the auger down the drain and twist it to grab and extract the blockage.

If DIY drain cleaning methods aren't getting your pipes grease-free, don't hesitate to call a professional plumber. Experienced plumbers have the specialized tools and expertise to remove even severe grease clogs quickly and completely. A pro can assess the problem then use methods like high-pressure water jets, long augers, or hydrojetting to safely eliminate the greasy blockage without damaging pipes.

While a seemingly harmless pantry staple, grease can wreak havoc on your plumbing. Stop clogs before they start with preventative habits. Baking soda, vinegar and hot water can tackle minor buildup. But for major grease obstructions, call on the pros to get your water flowing freely again.