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We pour all kinds of things down our sinks without thinking twice: the cloudy water left after cooking pasta, baking soda and vinegar mixtures, even straight boiling water. Some of these DIY tricks are meant to clear pipes, and others are just kitchen habits—but they’re not always harmless.
In fact, pouring boiling water down the sink can do more harm than good. Whether it’s pasta water fresh from the pot or an attempt to melt away grease, you should avoid sending boiling water into a slow-draining or clogged sink. Here’s why and what to do instead.
How Boiling Water Damages Pipes
If your kitchen still has cast-iron or copper pipes from decades past, those can withstand a lot of heat. But most of us have remodeled our kitchens or live in a newer home where plumbers installed PVC pipes under the sinks. PVC is made from a durable plastic, but it is not durable enough to withstand the temperature of boiling water, which is 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Some hot water lines can handle temperatures up to 200 degrees, but most drain pipes won't. They are designed to endure hot 140-degree water coming from the tap, but no more. (That also happens to be the maximum temperature that you should set on your water heater.)
If you dump boiling water in a sink that drains quickly, the pipes may escape any damage. Slow or clogged drain pipes get exposed to the extreme heat for much longer. Boiling water can make pipes soften and sag, or even come apart if the glue melts or the pipes warp. On top of that, there's no guarantee that a clog will do anything other than get pushed a little further down the pipe.
What To Do Instead
Don't take your chances with boiling water if you have modern plumbing in your kitchen. Instead, let pasta water cool for 10 or 15 minutes before you pour it down the drain. If you don't have time to wait, you can run cold water from the faucet while you pour your pasta in the colander.
What about blockages and clogs? Plumbers recommend trying a drain snake or zipper first to see if you can remove the clog from the pipe. If your sink isn't draining at all, use a plunger. What if none of these methods work? Sorry, but you're going to have to call the plumber.
Read the original article on Southern Living
