Put Down The Boiling Water! Here's Why This Kitchen Sink Hack Is A Mistake

If the water in your sink isn't going down the drain quite as quickly as normal, you will probably seek a fast and easy solution. For example, many people tend to believe that pouring boiling hot water down the drain will magically clean the path by removing blockages, therefore returning the drain to its original condition. Sure, it sounds like a great chemical-free way to unclog your sink, but the reality is that instead of improving the situation, it could actually damage your pipes.

Boiling hot water can help to melt oily residue and loosen clogs. So, it makes sense to think that pouring it down the backed-up drain would take care of the problem. However, modern pipes do not enjoy being exposed to such high temperatures. This heat can melt, warp, and damage pipes and components, which could lead to costly repairs. This is especially true with PVC pipes, which are common nowadays. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is essentially plastic. While it's used a lot for its durability, it is sensitive to heat, like most plastics. Over time, with repeated exposed, it will lose its shape and deteriorate. 

When you run into a clog, it's best to avoid pouring scorching water down the drain. If you're dealing with a small blockage, you can unclog your drain with unexpected items around your house, like baking soda. A more stubborn backup might be a sign that you need to call a plumber.

Not only can boiling hot water damage your pipes, but it's also not always effective at clearing a clogged drain. If the scalding hot water does not break down the debris blocking the drain, it could be pushed further down into the pipes. Then it cools, reforms, and creates a blockage that is even more difficult to reach. Continuing to pour boiling hot water into the drain to fully clear it is the type of sustained exposure that can be most damaging to your plumbing. And even if your system is running smoothly, it's best to avoid pouring boiling water into pipes. This is why, for example, it's recommended to let pasta water cool for a few minutes before draining. 

And while PVC is poorly equipped to handle boiling water, don't think that this kitchen sink hack is right for you if you've got metal pipes. These might not melt as plastic would, but extreme heat can still damage metal pipes, causing cracks, breaks, and even temperature shock. For example, if the pipes are cool because it's winter, the temperature difference between the metal and the water might cause a sort of thermal shock. This, in turn, can crack your pipes. In addition, there are pipe joints throughout the plumbing system that are attached with glue, which won't do well with hot water either.