Why should you not pour hot water into the sink? A lot of people are doing it wrong without knowing it

August 17, 2025 by admin

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### 🧼 **2. Hot Water Can Melt Fats and Grease — But That’s Not a Good Thing**

You might think pouring hot water helps flush grease or fat down the drain — and technically, it does. But here’s the catch:

* **Hot water liquefies grease**, which flows down your pipes…
* …Until it **cools further down the line** (in colder parts of your plumbing or in the sewer system), where it **solidifies again**, sticking to the inside of pipes.

Over time, this leads to fat build-up and eventually **clogs, slow drains, or full-on blockages** — known in the plumbing world as **“fatbergs.”**
(Yes, it’s as gross as it sounds.)

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### 🧯 **3. It Can Compromise Your Sink Sealant and Garbage Disposal**

If you have a garbage disposal, pouring boiling water can **damage internal components** or loosen the **plumber’s putty and rubber seals** that keep your sink leak-proof. This can cause:

* Water leaks beneath the sink
* Early wear and tear on appliances
* Mold and mildew under cabinetry

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### 🌍 **4. It’s Bad for the Sewer System — and the Environment**

When hot water — especially water with grease, oil, or food residue — enters the city sewer system, it contributes to larger infrastructure problems. Cities around the world are spending millions removing giant fatbergs that form in public sewer lines.

So while it may seem like a personal kitchen habit, **it can have widespread impact**.

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### ✅ **What Should You Do Instead?**

**If you need to dispose of boiling or very hot water:**

1. **Let It Cool First** — Set it aside until it cools to a warm temperature before pouring it down the drain.
2. **Pour It Outside** — Water plants (if it’s clean), or use it to kill weeds in cracks in your driveway.
3. **Avoid Draining Grease** — Pour fats and oils into a heat-resistant container (like an old can or jar), let them solidify, then throw them in the trash.
4. **Use Strainers** — Keep food scraps and debris out of your sink and drain system.

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### 🧠 Final Thoughts

Pouring hot water down the sink may seem like no big deal, but over time, it can lead to **pipe damage, expensive repairs, and environmental harm** — all from a habit that’s easy to break.

So the next time you’re tempted to dump that boiling pot of water into the sink, pause. Let it cool, or dispose of it responsibly — and save yourself (and your pipes) from trouble down the line.

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**Small change. Big impact. Your plumbing will thank you. 💧🔧**

Would you like a version of this as a social media infographic or a checklist for homeowners? Just let me know!