Apr 12, 2016 · It seems to be common advice to run the cold water while dumping boiling water down the drain (for example, when draining pasta). A variety of reasons are cited for this, one of which is that it is...

Boiling water can be effective for minor clogs, but using it improperly can lead to serious issues with your plumbing. Here are the best practices and common mistakes to avoid when using boiling water to unclog drains.

May 4, 2021 · Is there a disposal? I would change everything from the basket to the wall, all inexpensive parts and easy to replace. I would also replace the dishwasher drain hose, then everything is clean. One trick my mother always did, run the cold water as you empty a pot of boiling water into the sink.

Feb 27, 2025 · If you have a plastic pipe, and the water is flowing well (in other words, not clogged) it is safe to pour boiling water down the drain. But, if you have a clogged bathtub drain (slow-moving or completely blocked drain) you should NOT pour boiling water down the drain.

Jan 26, 2021 · But if you don’t have PVC drain pipes, you could pour boiling water right down that drain and it will never harm the plumbing in any way whatsoever. There’s actually a lot of conflict on the internet and amongst professionals about the boiling water in PVC pipe issue and answer.

Jun 19, 2023 · When cooking you're always supposed to run cold water down when pouring out hot/boiling water. Code says nothing above 140° can go down a standard drain. Reply reply

Pouring hot boiling water into your sink drain can damage your pipes if they are made of PVC, CPVC or Pex materials. Know what your pipes are made of and avoid pouring hot water down your drains as much as possible.

PVC and ABS pipes, which are frequently used in modern plumbing, have lower melting points (around 140°F and 180°F, respectively) compared to copper and cast iron, which can sustain boiling temperatures without damage.Understanding these materials is crucial in deciding whether to pour boiling water down the drain, particularly if you have plastic plumbing.

Dec 12, 2024 · Plumbing professionals advise against pouring boiling water down sinks due to the risk of heat damage. Using safe alternatives and maintaining your plumbing system regularly can help avoid leaks and costly repairs associated with this practice.

It’s certainly possible; boiling water can melt or loosen the gunk holding the clog together. But it’s not always effective — nor is the home remedy of mixing vinegar with baking soda and pouring that concoction down the drain.