Drain Blockages due to build-up of fat
The accumulation of fat and grease in drains is an extremely common problem. When fat and grease clog a drain, it can cause an overflow of water and the drain becomes blocked.
A blocked drain will become foul smelling and unhygienic.
Where and why does it accumulate?
The drains that clog most commonly are the ones connected to the kitchen sink. Fat, oil and grease can easily go down the sink with wastewater. As the drainpipe cools the fat will solidify and build up eventually causing a blockage. As additional fat, oil or grease is disposed of down the sink, the more likely a severe blockage will occur, eventually preventing water draining away and will causing overflows.
How do I remove it?
The best thing to do is to avoid food going down the sink by disposing of fat with the general waste.
A drain that becomes entirely clogged by fat or grease can be very difficult to remove. Cleaning materials that claim to remove fat and grease from a clogged drain work by penetrating the grease and forcing it to move further down the drain.
The most effective drain cleaner to make at home is a mixture of half hot water and half vinegar. Boiling hot water can also be poured down the drain to help soften the fat and grease in the drains. If the fat and grease build-up is significant a professional drain clearance company will need to be engaged.
How do I prevent it from happening?
Prevention is the only way to stop fat and grease build-up. When cooking or washing dishes, fatty foods should not be flushed down the sink; these include oils, butter, eggshells and all other greasy substances. Using more boiling water and dishwasher liquid can help to break down fats and grease to a small extent. Only stopping the disposal of grease and fat down the drains will prevent the problem.