DIY Methods for Unclogging Kitchen Drains Clogged With Grease

Having slow or clogged drains that don't properly drain water is a common problem in many homes. While there are various causes of clogged drains, one of the most usual culprits is grease buildup. Grease gets stuck in drain pipes from washing dishes or pouring fats, oils, and grease down the sink. Over time, this leads to a thick layer of gunk that obstructs water flow.

Unclogging a greasy drain may seem daunting, but there are various DIY methods you can try before calling a plumber. With some simple ingredients and tools found in most homes, you can dissolve, dislodge, and remove the grease to get your drains flowing freely again.

Understanding Grease and How It Clogs Drains

Grease is a thick, sticky substance that comes from animal and plant sources. Grease solidifies and sticks to surfaces when it cools. Hot grease will flow smoothly, but as it cools in drain pipes, the grease congeals and sticks to pipe walls.

Common sources of grease that can clog drains include:

• Cooking oil like vegetable, olive, or canola oil
• Melted butter or margarine
• Meat fats and drippings
• Bacon grease
• Food scraps that contain oils or fats

As grease washes down the drain, it coats and sticks to pipe walls. Over time, it accumulates into a thick layer. Bits of food and other debris get caught in the grease, eventually blocking water flow. Signs of a grease clog include:

• Water draining slowly
• Gurgling sounds as water drains
• Bad odors coming from the drain
• Water pooling around drain openings
• Toilets or multiple drains backing up

DIY Drain Cleaning Solutions for Removing Grease

Before trying harsh chemical cleaners, use these DIY drain cleaning solutions to break up grease and clear clogs:

Boiling Water

Pouring 1-2 kettles of boiling water down the affected drain can help melt and dissolve grease. The hot water breaks down congealed grease and wash it down the pipes. For best results, pour slowly and let the water sit for 5-10 minutes before running the tap.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

The chemical reaction between baking soda and vinegar can help dislodge grease and debris. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup white vinegar. The fizzing reaction helps break up grease. Let sit 15 minutes then rinse with hot water.

Salt, Borax, and Vinegar

For a more heavy-duty homemade drain cleaner, mix 1/2 cup salt with 1/2 cup borax and pour down the drain. Follow with 2 cups heated white vinegar and let sit overnight. The salt abrasion and vinegar acid dissolves grease buildup.

Enzymatic Cleaners

Enzyme-based drain cleaners use bacteria and enzymes to dissolve organic matter like grease, oils, fats, hair, and food scraps. Enzymes break down grease into simpler substances. Look for products with lipase, amylase, protease, and cellulase enzymes. Follow product instructions.

Mechanical Removal

A sink plunger can manually dislodge a grease clog. Seal the drain opening with the plunger and plunge vigorously 15-20 times to loosen the grease. A plumber's snake can also hook into grease and pull it out. Insert the snake 8-10 inches into the pipe and twist to grab and extract grease.

Preventing Future Grease Clogs

While unclogging grease is important, prevention is ideal to avoid clogged drains. Here are tips to prevent grease buildup:

• Scrape plates and cookware to remove fats, oils, and grease before washing. Throw scraps in the trash.
• Collect bacon grease, meat drippings, etc. in a jar to dispose of later. Never pour down sinks.
• Wipe down greasy pans and dishes with paper towels before washing.
• Use strainers in sink drains to catch food particles.
• Run very hot water while washing greasy dishes to emulsify oils.
• Limit use of garbage disposals to grind up greasy food scraps.

Regularly maintain drains by pouring 1/2 cup baking soda and vinegar down drains weekly. Use enzymatic cleaners monthly to control buildup. Avoid pouring fats down drains, even small amounts add up.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While DIY drain cleaning often works for minor clogs, call a professional plumber if:

• You tried DIY methods but the clog persists
• Multiple drains are backing up
• You have a broken or damaged grease trap
• Drains have a very bad sewage odor
• You need to locate clogs deep in drain lines

Plumbers have specialized tools like sewer cameras to inspect drains and advanced hydrojetting equipment that uses pressurized water to cut through thick grease. They can also repair damaged pipes or traps.

Signs of an extensive grease problem requiring professional help include water pooling around drains, toilets backing up, or the smell of sewage near sinks and tubs. Grease has likely built up over a long period and may require pipe cleaning or replacement.

Using Chemical Drain Cleaners Safely and Effectively

While DIY options are ideal, chemical drain cleaners can also remove stubborn grease clogs. Look for cleaners containing lye or caustic soda like sodium hydroxide. The alkaline chemicals emulsify oils and dissolve organic matter.

Avoid products with harsh acids like sulfuric acid. Acidic cleaners can damage pipes. Only use chemicals sparingly and according to manufacturer instructions.

When using chemical cleaners:

• Wear gloves and eye protection
• Don't mix chemicals together, only use one product at a time
• Don't use after trying other methods like boiling water or vinegar, chemicals may react
• Never use in toilets or septic systems
• Rinse pipes thoroughly with water after use
• Ventilate area to avoid inhaling toxic fumes

Chemical drain cleaners work quickly but won't provide lasting clearance of grease unless you also make drain maintenance changes. Improper use can damage pipes, so take precautions when opting for commercial chemical cleaners.

Grease buildup is a common cause of slow and clogged drains. Thankfully, there are many DIY methods to clear grease at home without the need for harsh chemicals. Boiling water, baking soda and vinegar, enzyme cleaners, and mechanical removal can all help dissolve and dislodge stubborn grease.

Prevention is also key. Proper kitchen habits like wiping greasy dishes, using sink strainers, and avoiding pouring oil or fat down drains can prevent grease accumulation. Regular drain maintenance also keeps pipes clear.

While mild clogs can be cleared with some elbow grease, severe grease blockages may require calling in a professional plumber. They have the tools and expertise to fully remove grease and make repairs if needed. Follow these tips and your drains will keep flowing freely.