How to

“A Summer Quirk: Pouring Hot Water Down the Drain”

Hot water is the ultimate solution to this problem, and that's why many households pour hot water down the drain.

20 September, 2024

Pouring hot water down the drain is a popular solution to this issue. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Boil a kettle of water and pour it down the drain. The high temperature of the water will help kill small flying insects in the pipes.

Step 2: Prepare a bowl and add some baking soda to it. Baking soda can effectively remove grease and other stains in the pipes, and its alkaline properties can kill the eggs of small flying insects.

Step 3: Add a little salt to the bowl. Salt is a great natural disinfectant.

Step 4: Pour some dish soap into the bowl, add a little water, and stir the mixture. The dish soap will help remove stains and kill small flying insects.

Step 5: Pour the mixture down the drain and let it sit for 5 minutes. After that, pour another kettle of hot water to rinse away any remaining stains and insects, leaving your pipes fresh and odor-free.

Other methods to eliminate and prevent foul odors from rising through the pipes

– Use coffee grounds or air fresheners

Coffee grounds, air fresheners, scented candles, or essential oils placed near the toilet can help mask unpleasant odors from the drainage system. You can also use tea bags, dry charcoal, or scented oils, but these are temporary solutions that don’t address the root cause.

– Utilize odor-blocking tools

There are various products available in the market designed to block drain odors, such as brass drain odor blockers, silicone drain deodorizers, and drain plugs. These tools can effectively prevent unpleasant smells and insects from escaping through the pipes.

Alternatively, placing a bag of water over the drain opening can also help achieve similar results.

Frequently asked questions

Pouring hot water down the drain is a common practice in many households during the summer months. This is done to help prevent the buildup of grease and oil in the pipes, which can cause blockages and lead to unpleasant odors. The hot water helps to break down and wash away these substances, keeping the pipes clear and maintaining a smooth flow of water.

Grease and oil tend to solidify and adhere to the pipes, especially when they cool down. By pouring hot water down the drain, you raise the temperature of the pipes and the substances within them. This heat helps to liquefy the grease and oil, allowing them to flow through the pipes more easily and preventing them from solidifying and causing blockages.

It is not necessary to use boiling water from a kettle or stove. Hot water from the tap is generally sufficient to address grease and oil buildup. The temperature of the hot water from your tap is usually high enough to effectively break down and wash away these substances. However, if you have particularly stubborn buildup, you may find that using slightly hotter water can be more effective.

While pouring hot water down the drain is generally safe, there are a few potential risks to keep in mind. Firstly, if your pipes are old or made of certain materials, extreme temperatures can cause them to crack or warp. Additionally, if you have a garbage disposal unit, you should exercise caution as hot water can cause grease or oil to solidify on the blades, potentially damaging the unit. It is always a good idea to consult a professional if you have concerns about your specific plumbing system.

Yes, you can enhance the effectiveness of hot water by adding a small amount of dish soap or a natural degreaser, such as vinegar or baking soda. These substances help to break down grease and oil more efficiently. However, it is important to use only a small amount and avoid excessive or frequent use, as these substances can also have an impact on your pipes and drainage system over time.