How To Prevent Grease Build Up in Pipes? Effective Method

If your kitchen sink drainage pipeline keeps getting clogged by the grease, So there is a headache problem that you have to solve.

For that, I have given complete information on prevent grease build up in pipes in my article here.

Grease buildup in pipes can cause many problems, from clogged drains to sewer backups.

Preventive measures are necessary to avoid all these problems or to keep your pipes running well.

So here are discussed some effective methods to stop the grease before it builds up in the pipe.


11 Effective Methods For Prevent Grease Build Up in Pipes

At room temperature, this grease appears harmless, but when it cools, it solidifies and sticks to the inside of the pipe, forming a hard coating.

Over time, grease traps debris and prevents it from flowing, creating blockages and making it difficult to clean.

So here are 11 effective methods to prevent grease from building up inside pipes.

I use these methods to prevent grease buildup in my home.

Because I once experienced a lot of trouble with grease buildup, I learned a lot of information on how to prevent grease build up in pipes, which I’m sharing with you here.

After that, I now take preventive care of regular pipes. So that my kitchen sink pipe does not get clogged with grease

So, let’s begin…

1. Catch it Before it Goes Down with Strainer

Catch Grease Before it Goes Down with Strainer

This is an effective way to prevent grease build up in the pipes.

This includes placing a strainer in your kitchen sink that catches food particles and grease before they enter the sink pipes.

Clean the stainer regularly to ensure that the sink stainer is working properly.

Empty the strainer into the trash after washing dishes or cleaning up greasy cookware.

Pan Scraper Dish Scraper Kitchen Grease Scraper

Pan Scraper Dish Scraper Kitchen Grease Scraper

Food Scraper Tool Plastic Pot Scraper

2. Install a Grease Trap or Interceptor- Grease trap magic

In your home, If you use a garbage disposal or if you own a restaurant, such places tend to generate a lot of grease in the sink pipes.

So, at such times, consider installing a grease trap, which works magic.

A grease trap or Interceptor is a device that captures grease before it enters the plumbing system.

It prevents grease from building up in sink drainage pipes, so there is no risk of clogs and backups.

3. Scrape, Do Not Rinse

Use a paper towel or spatula to wipe off as much grease as possible before washing pots and pans.

It reduces the grease entering the kitchen sink drain.

Throw used paper towels or scraps directly into the trash and keep them away from pipes.

MR.SIGA Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Strainer

MR.SIGA Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink Strainer

The outside rim secures the drain strainer over the drain.

4. Dispose of Grease Properly – Cool it down

Dispose of Grease Properly - Cool it down

The main reason for grease build-up in the kitchen sink pipe is its improper draining disposal.

Many people leave the cooking grease down the drain, thinking of washing it off with hot water.

However, as the grease cools, it solidifies and sticks to the inside of the pipe.

For this, after the cooking grease has cooled and thickened, collect it in a metal container, which can be an old jar or can.

Once the container is full, throw it in the trash or reuse it.

This habit can keep your drain pipe system free from grease clogs.

5. Regularly Clean Your Drains With Baking Soda and Vinegar

Regularly Clean Your Drains With Baking Soda and Vinegar

It is important to clean your drains regularly to prevent grease from building up in your pipes.

For that, there are many natural ingredients found at home that can work as DIY drain cleaners.

As baking soda and vinegar create a non-toxic bubbling reaction to help break down grease.

Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of vinegar, let sit for a few minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

Similarly, cleaning pipes with salt and cream of tartar in boiling water can act as an abrasive.

It helps break down any grease or debris in the pipe.

HAMMER Baking Soda

ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda Made in the USA

Your go-to, multipurpose solution for cleaning and deodorizing around your home

6. Hot and Soapy Flush

Run hot water and a small amount of dish soap down your sink drain regularly.

Hot water helps to melt and remove any accumulated grease, while soap helps to break it down.

7. Avoid Using Hot Water Alone

When the grease has cooled and stuck inside the pipe, if you pour hot water into the pipe at that time, it will not be effective.

So, at such times, you can use dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda with hot water to get good results.

8. Use Enzyme Cleaners (Eco-Friendly Products)

Eco-friendly grease enzymes are a great way to actively remove grease clogs or prevent them from building up.

Its regular use helps maintain the flow of your pipes.

9. Boiling Water Blast

If you have spilled some oil or grease in the drain, then immediately pour very hot to almost boiling water from the tap down the drain.

Which can help loosen the grease and allow the fluid to drain faster from the pipe.

10. Educate Your Household or Staff

Finally, it is important to educate every member of your household or, if you have a restaurant, its staff on the importance of preventing grease build-up in pipes.

Explain the method of proper disposal of grease and the consequences of its accumulation in drains.

By working together, you can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your plumbing system.

11. Call in The Pos

Professional intervention is essential to keep your pipes free of grease.

Sometimes, the buildup of grease in a pipe is so rapid that it requires attention from a professional plumber.

Read More: How to Fix a Leak Under the Kitchen Sink When the Water Is Turned On


What is a Grease Interceptor or Trap, and How Does it Operate?

What is a Grease Interceptor or Trap, and How Does it Operate

A grease interceptor or trap is a plumbing device installed underground, under a kitchen sink, on the outside of a kitchen.

Where the kitchen is operated on a large scale, it is necessary to place it to receive the grease.

It is designed to stop grease or solids before they enter the wastewater system.

These are normally box-shaped and are made of pre-cast concrete or stainless steel or carbon steel.

When wastewater from the kitchen enters, the flow slows down, causing grease, fats, and oils to float to the top of the trap and the solids to sink to the bottom.

The grease forms a layer that can be regularly removed as sludge while pre-treated water flows into the wastewater system from the trap.

Best Drain Cleaner
BEAMNOVA 7-Stage Filtration Grease Trap for Kitchen Sink

BEAMNOVA 7-Stage Filtration Grease Trap for Kitchen Sink

Grease Trap Water Oil Water Separator

Our commercial oil-water separator uses 7-stage filtration for superior water filtering.


How Grease Hurts Homeowners

The results of grease in your home’s plumbing system range from the subtle to the obvious.

  • Slow Drainage: Grease build-up causes the problem of slow draining in kitchen or bathroom pipes.
  • Odor: Over time, the trapped grease begins to decompose, leaving the drain smelling foul.
  • Backups: In severe cases, the grease can block the pipeline, causing wastewater to back up from your sink or tub.
  • Expenses: Removing or replacing the pipe can be expensive.

So, you have to be careful if you want to keep your kitchen sink pipeline grease-free with the method I have given above.


FAQs

Can I use any cooking oil without worrying about grease build-up?

Although some oils are less likely to solidify, cooking oil should be avoided by pouring any cooking oil down the drain.

An option may be to collect the grease in a container and then trash it.

Is hot water alone sufficient to prevent grease accumulation?

No, hot water won’t totally stop grease buildup. It might assist temporarily.

Combine it with additional preventative measures such as cooking habits awareness and the use of grease traps.

Are there eco-friendly ways to dispose of grease?

Yes, consider using an absorbent material such as a paper towel to soak up the grease before disposal.

Avoid flushing it down the drain to reduce environmental impact.

Do all sinks need grease traps?

Not all kitchen sinks require a grease trap.

If you have a commercial kitchen or an industrial kitchen that generates a lot of grease, you can install a grease trap.

Can I use any dish soap to prevent grease build-up?

No, you can not use just any dish soap to prevent grease build-up.

Because you need a specially formulated grease-cutting dish soap that contains enzymes and degreasers to break down grease.

It helps prevent sink drain clogs and pipe blockage.

Can grease trap systems be retrofitted into existing plumbing systems?

Yes, grease trap systems can be retrofitted into existing plumbing systems, but it is recommended to consult a plumber for its proper installation.

Because the complexity depends on the site conditions and the space available for installation.


Conclusion

In conclusion, Preventing grease from building up in your kitchen pipes is a task that requires effort and a proactive approach.

By following the 11 methods I gave above, we can significantly reduce the possibility of grease clogs.

Keep in mind that it is never too late to incorporate these methods into your daily routine.

Take the first step today and share this information with your neighbors and loved ones.

Apart from that, if you want any information about the kitchen sink and its drainage line, comment me.

Umesh Salunkhe

Hi, I am Umesh Salunkhe, a kitchen and bathroom sink lover. I have a huge knowledge of sink installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. I promote a DIY approach to a sink on the Sink Tips website.

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