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We've all been there, like ankle-deep in dirty water while taking a shower or seeing the kitchen sink drain as slowly as Monday morning. And the next thing we think we do is to go straight to the fastest solution, and that is pouring boiling water down the drain.
If you're in Adelaide and searching for solutions to an unclogged drain, let’s dive into the facts behind this common DIY method.
Boiling water has been passed around as a quick fix. It can sometimes clear out fresh, soft blockages in kitchen sinks where grease or soap residue is the culprit. The hot water helps melt and flush away minor build-ups, especially when the clog is shallow and your pipes are metal.
But experts say that boiling water is not a miracle solution. If the blockage is caused by hair, food scraps, or foreign objects lodged deeper in the pipe system, boiling water alone won’t be enough to resolve the issue.
Here’s what you need to know and where things get tricky, especially a bit risky. If you’re a homeowner who uses PVC or plastic piping, hot water isn’t a great deal to fix the clog. It isn’t designed to handle the intense heat of boiling water, which reaches 100°C.
While metal pipes can usually take the heat, PVC pipes are only rated to withstand temperatures of around 60°C. Repeatedly pouring boiling water down these drains can warp or even melt the piping, leading to loose joints, hidden leaks, or future collapses inside the walls or under floors.
So, before you reach for the kettle, ask yourself: Do I know what kind of pipes I have? If not, it’s better to play it safe and opt for other methods or call a blocked drain plumber in Adelaide.
Boiling water can handle very mild blockages, especially if you're dealing with:
Even then, you should pour the water slowly and carefully in small amounts, allowing it to work through without flooding the system or causing pressure build-up.
Remember: If boiling water doesn’t work the first time, don’t try again immediately. Let the pipes cool to avoid thermal shock or damage.
Instead of risking pipe damage, there are safer home remedies you can try:
If this DIY method doesn’t work and you’ve tried so many ways to fix it, don’t push it. It may be a sign that there’s a major problem that a professional plumber needs to handle.
If you’ve tried the boiling water trick and things still aren’t moving, your blockage might be too far down or too solid for DIY methods. Signs of a serious blockage include:
At this point, it’s time to call a blocked drain plumber in Adelaide to fix it.
When you're facing a blocked drain or any kind of plumbing emergency, you want a team that’s fast, reliable, and experienced. Your Local Tradesman is the best choice.  We’ve helped hundreds of Adelaide residents fix, clear, and prevent blocked drains using the latest tools without risking your home’s plumbing system.
Our team provides honest advice, transparent quotes, and professional service with every visit. We’ll get things flowing again quickly and safely.
Will boiling water unclog a drain? The short answer is: yes, but it’s for only minor blockages. It’s also important to note that it is not a reliable or risk-free fix. Boiling water may offer a quick fix for light, surface-level grease clogs in metal pipes, but it won’t solve deeper or more complex blockages, and it could even damage your system if used improperly.
So, if you’re struggling with a slow or blocked drain, don’t wait for the issue to worsen. Contact Your Local Tradesman, Adelaide’s trusted blocked drain experts, for fast, friendly service. Anytime you need it.
