The Root Cause: Solidified Grease
When you wash oily pans, hot grease goes down the drain. As it cools, it solidifies into a hard, sticky mass that traps food particles, eventually blocking the entire pipe.
DIY Fix: Baking Soda and Boiling Water
Pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar. Wait 15 minutes, then flush the drain with a full kettle of boiling water to melt the grease.
When to Call a Plumber?
If boiling water fails, the blockage is deep in the main pipe. A professional plumber will need to use a motorized plumbing snake (auger) to break apart the hardened grease.