Boiling Water Down Drain Jun 2026
If you’d like, I can give you a for clearing harder clogs, or I can explain how to remove a P-Trap . Share public link
Most modern homes use PVC (polyvinyl chloride) for drain lines. PVC is rated to handle temperatures up to 140°F (60°C). Boiling water is 212°F (100°C). Pouring boiling water directly into a PVC drain can soften the plastic, warp the pipe, or melt the seals and glue at the joints. This leads to slow leaks behind walls or under sinks that may go unnoticed until mold develops. 2. Porcelain Sinks and Toilets boiling water down drain
Pouring is acceptable only for minor, slow drains in metal pipes and as a periodic, preventative maintenance tactic to dissolve small amounts of grease. It should never be used on completely clogged sinks or in homes with PVC piping, as the risk of melting joints and causing leaks is simply too high. If you’d like, I can give you a
The danger is not limited to the pipes hidden inside your cabinetry. If you have a ceramic, porcelain, or fireclay sink, pouring boiling water into it can cause . This happens when a cold material is suddenly exposed to extreme heat. The rapid temperature shift causes the material to expand unevenly, leading to unsightly surface cracks or a completely shattered basin. What About Grease Clogs? The Big Myth Boiling water is 212°F (100°C)
If your house was built before the 1970s, you likely have copper drain lines.
As mentioned, extreme heat can melt PVC pipe glue and warp PVC joints, causing leaks behind your walls.
There are a few reasons why people might pour boiling water down the drain:
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