Can Boiling Water Damage My Kitchen Sink Pipes? - Wisler Plumbing & Air

Is pouring boiling water down the kitchen sink a good way to unclog and freshen pipes, or will it damage your pipes? Find out if pouring boiling water into your pipes is harmful to your plumbing system with our guide!

We’ve all heard of DIY methods for clearing clogs and clogs in the drain – the most common being pouring boiling water down the kitchen sink. But is it really safe?

Of course, if you’re careful, there’s no real harm in doing this once or twice. Let’s face it: We’ve all poured boiling water down the sink while finishing that hot pot of pasta for dinner. But should we make it a regular practice?

This is the purpose of this short informative guide. Read on to find out more!

SHOULD YOU BE POURING BOILING WATER DOWN THE KITCHEN SINK?

There is no easy answer to this question. This depends on the type of water pipe installed under your kitchen drain – and more likely the material of the pipe.

However, here is a list of the different materials water pipes are typically made of and the highest temperatures they can easily withstand (for your information):

• Iron – 1,410 degrees C
• Copper – 1,083 degrees C
• Galvanized steel – 200 degrees C
• CPVC – 93 degrees Celsius
• Pex – 93 degrees C
• PVC – 60 degrees C

While copper, iron and galvanized steel pipes can withstand high water temperatures, materials like PVC, Pex and CPVC show signs of damage over time. And since most homes today have PVC pipes installed under kitchen sinks, any licensed plumber will advise against using boiling water to unclog a clogged drain pipe.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU POUR BOILING WATER DOWN IN THE KITCHEN SINK?

PVC pipes can withstand heat, but not water temperatures up to 100 degrees C. So if you regularly expose your kitchen pipe to boiling water, the joints (which are usually held together with glue) will only soften or melt. Over time, water pipes deteriorate and begin to leak, requiring immediate repair or replacement.

You also need to consider the type of sink you’ll be pouring the hot water into. For example, if the kitchen sink is made of porcelain, the heat can cause cracks.

In fact, pouring boiling water down the sink is not a long-term solution. This only pushes grease and debris further down the drain and sticks to the sides, making it difficult to reach and remove.

Therefore, using this method to clean your kitchen sink drain regularly will only lead to a larger and more stubborn clog in the near future. And to fix this problem, you may need the help of a professional plumber.

DOES POURING BOILING WATER DOWN THE KITCHEN SINK SAFE FOR YOU?

Lifting and carrying a pot of boiling water from the stove to the sink and pouring the water into the pot increases the risk of an accident. This is risky and can result in severe burns and injuries that will only prove painful and distressing. So consider your own safety as a priority!

POURING BOILING WATER DOWN THE KITCHEN SINK

Pouring very hot water down the kitchen sink is not the best way to clear clogs. This has long term effects and you will need liters of boiling water for this purpose. This way you will damage your pipe before you loosen the plugs.

There are some DIY methods you can resort to, such as using a plunger or drain snake to clear clogs. Or just don’t throw grease and oil into the sink to prevent blockages.

Only pour boiling water if your pipe is made of metals such as iron or copper, as these have the highest temperature resistance. Even then, only do it when necessary.

Of course, you can also contact us at Wisler Plumbing & Air. Our team of experienced and licensed plumbers will use the latest equipment and technology to clear clogged kitchen sink pipes. Our plumbing experts can also replace your PVC pipes if they show signs of leaks and damage.

Make an appointment with us today!