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You Should Never Pour Hot Oil Down Your Sink Drain, and Here’s Why
When cooking, it’s common to have leftover cooking oil—whether it’s from frying, sautéing, or roasting. The natural impulse might be to pour it down the sink drain to quickly get rid of it. However, this is a major mistake that can lead to a variety of costly and harmful consequences. While it might seem like a convenient option, pouring hot oil down the sink is one of the worst things you can do for your plumbing, the environment, and even your wallet. In this article, we’ll explain why you should never pour hot oil down your sink drain and what you can do instead.
1. Clogging Your Pipes
Hot oil might seem like a liquid that can easily flow down the drain, but when it cools, it hardens. This is where the problem begins. As the oil cools in the pipes, it solidifies and clings to the walls of your drain. Over time, it forms a sticky, greasy sludge that traps food particles, soap, and other debris, causing a stubborn clog.
The buildup of oil and grease in your pipes can create a blockage that obstructs water flow, leading to slow drainage or, in the worst case, a complete pipe clog. When this happens, you might find yourself facing an expensive plumbing bill to fix the problem.
2. Damage to Your Plumbing System
In addition to causing clogs, pouring oil down your sink can damage your plumbing system. Oil can coat the inside of pipes, which restricts the water flow and makes it more difficult for your plumbing to work efficiently. In the long run, this can lead to corrosion, rust, and even pipe failure. Replacing or repairing damaged plumbing ca
