What to do if your drain is blocked with fat

If your drain is blocked with fat, there are steps you can take to deal with it safely and effectively.

The simple method of a plunger may work

Make sure your plunger covers the drain hole fully. If you have a double sink, plug the other drain to ensure full pressure. Pump the plunger up and down several times to dislodge the fat. It may take a few tries before the blockage clears.

Avoid running more water down the sink

Stop running water down the sink, as this will worsen the blockage. Running water over a fat blockage will make the fat harden further and cause a more severe blockage.

Baking soda and vinegar can unclog some drains

Pour about half a cup of baking soda into the drain. Follow the baking soda with a cup of vinegar. This will cause a chemical reaction, fizzing and bubbling, which can help break down grease. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15-30 minutes to loosen the fat. Afterwards, pour the boiling water down the drain to flush out the blockage.

The Metro reminds people that turkey fat should not be poured down drains.

Boiling water and washing-up liquid may help

Pouring boiling water down the drain can melt some of the fat. Add some washing-up liquid, preferably one designed to cut through grease, into the drain. This can help to dissolve the fat. Pour the boiling water and washing up liquid into the drain in small amounts, waiting a few minutes between each pour. This can gradually break down the blockage.

If your blockage is stubborn and you need an investigation carried out, there are professionals who offer a CCTV survey. If you require a CCTV drain survey Loughborough, experts such as www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/cctv-drain-surveys-loughborough provide this invaluable service.

Call a plumber if necessary

If home remedies don’t resolve the issue, it may be time to call a plumber. Fat blockages, especially severe ones, can sometimes require specialised equipment to clear. Plumbers may use high-pressure water jetting to clear the fat from the pipes.