Boiling Water Down Drain May 2026

If the sink is full of cold water, boiling water won't work. It will lose its heat the moment it hits the standing water. Bail out the sink first.

Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Plug the drain and let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with hot tap water (not boiling). boiling water down drain

For deeper clogs, a manual snake can physically break through the obstruction without risking the integrity of the pipe walls. The Bottom Line If the sink is full of cold water, boiling water won't work

For grease clogs, squirt a generous amount of grease-cutting dish soap into the drain before pouring the water. The soap helps emulsify the melted fats. Safer Alternatives for PVC Pipes Pour half a cup of baking soda followed

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