It is OK to pour hot water or boiling water down the drain for this can soften the hardened substances that are starting to stick to your drains and pipes. This is okay, provided that the water is not overwhelmingly hot for this can expand your sink or melt PVC pipes.
Pouring boiling water is quite risky as it might lead to a steam burn or scalding. Another thing to keep in mind is what type of material you are pouring in into. If you have a porcelain sink, it is likely to crack due to the heat. All in all, pouring boiling water down your drain will only cause issues down the road.
The general rule of thumb is that hot boiling water can soften or even slightly melt the joints in your PVC pipes so YES, if you subject these types of pipes to high temperature water on a regular basis - they can be damaged, causing leaks and eventually requiring replacement.
Can boiling water unclog a drain? If your drain is clogged with ice cubes — then yes, boiling water can unclog a drain. But if your drain is clogged with the things that normally clog drains — grease, oil, dirt, hair, etc. — then no, boiling water isn't likely to help.
Flush out the clog
Because the boiling temperature of the water is 212 degrees Fahrenheit, it is too hot for direct contact with porcelain sinks and PVC pipes. If you are sure your sink and pipes are neither of the above, slowly pour the boiling water directly down the drain. Afterward, see if the clog loosens up.
Why is boiling water not recommendable for a clogged kitchen sink? Boiling water may damage your plumbing or make the clog worse.
Do NOT pour boiling water down your sink or toilet. In recent years, DIYers looking to find a green alternative to chemical products have suggested pouring a potful of boiling water into a clogged sink or toilet to clear a clog.
Don't pour any kind of melted fat from meat, bacon, sausage, poultry or even gravy down the drain. The same applies to cooking oils, olive oils, salad dressings and mayonnaise. Likewise, don't grind fat trimmed from meat, uncooked poultry skin, cheese, butter and other dairy products through your garbage disposal.
Composite sinks are ideal for modern kitchens and can endure high temperatures as well as being hardwearing.
While the baking soda and vinegar solution is effective in breaking down a clog, it will also cause your drain to become more damaged. The baking soda's abrasive nature will wear down your drain over time. This is why you should avoid using baking soda and vinegar solution for cleaning out your drain.
Baking soda, vinegar and boiling water can help clean drains naturally, but you may need something stronger, like Liquid-Plumr, to fully unclog those really tough drain clogs.
Use Boiling Water
Using boiling water is the easiest way to clean up your clogged outside drain. Just put on a kettle full of tap water and boil it up. Now, slowly pour the hot, boiling water down the drain. By doing so, you can wash and melt away any stubborn blockages.
For tough clogs, use a full cup. While that sits, bring a half pot of water (about 4 cups) to boil. Pour this directly into the drain very slowly but steadily to avoid getting burned by splashing water. Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then run water down the drain to check how freely water flows.
Pour a half cup of baking soda down your drain followed by a half cup of white vinegar. Let it fizz and bubble for five to ten minutes or so. Then, carefully pour the pot or kettle full of boiling water down the drain. Turn the faucet on and see if it's draining faster.
It can cause serious infections and may even be fatal if a person does not receive treatment. Immersion in boiling water for a prolonged period can cause a third-degree burn.
Yes, the heat can cause your water pipes to expand from the high degrees and the strain you place on the plumbing pipes.
Unclogging with Salt and Boiling Water
Although the acidity from vinegar helps to eat through grease and other clogs, salt alone will scour the inside of the pipe, since it is so coarse and abrasive. Measure a 1/2 cup of salt. Then pour it directly down the drain. Rinse the drain with boiling water.
If you've determined it's not a clogged sink but still have a slow-draining sink when you run water, it is most likely a plumbing vent issue. Plumbing vents are located on the top of people's homes.
Vinegar. Vinegar is both safe and beneficial to pour down your drain. It acts as a natural cleaning solution and can remove blockages and harmful bacteria that cause foul odors.
Chemicals that can be safely disposed down the drain include biological compounds and cellular constituents such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, sugars, amino acids amines, nutrients, surfactants, and many metabolic intermediates.
Never pour leftover sauces or soups down the drain.