Should I or Shouldn’t I Pour Oil Down the Drain?
Should I Be Pouring Oil Down My Kitchen Sink?
Got leftover oil in your pan after dinner? Tempted to tip it down the sink? Think again, mate! While it might seem harmless, pouring oil down the drain can do a real number on your plumbing system — and the environment.
Let’s break down why this everyday habit can turn into a costly disaster, and how you can handle oil waste the right way.
Why Pouring Oil Down the Drain Is a Bad Move
Pouring cooking oil, fats, and grease down your sink might seem easy, but it’s one of the top causes of:
- ❌ Blocked pipes and kitchen drains
- ❌ Overflowing sewers
- ❌ Grease build-up at wastewater treatment plants
- ❌ Environmental pollution in waterways
Even if you rinse with hot water, the oil eventually cools, hardens, and clings to the inside of your pipes — creating thick, sludgy blockages.
Tip: Instead of pouring oil down the drain, let it cool and scrape it into the bin or a sealed container. If it’s clean oil, you could even reuse it or mix it into pet food (if safe).
What Happens When You Pour Oil Down the Drain?
Here’s what actually goes on when you pour oil down your sink:
- It coats the inner walls of your pipes
- Collects other debris like food scraps and soap scum
- Forms a greasy sludge that hardens over time
- Eventually causes slow drainage or full blockages
You might notice:
- Water taking ages to drain
- Bad smells coming from your sink
- Gurgling noises in your pipes
Know the Difference: Fats, Oils, and Grease
Real Talk: What Aussie Plumbers Say
Plumbers across Australia, including our licensed plumber in Canberra, see the damage oil causes every day. Whether it’s jet cleaning, CCTV inspections, or full pipe replacements — oil is often the culprit.
We often help clear blocked drains caused by oil build-up using:
- High-pressure water jetters
- Drain inspection cameras
- Pipe relining when the damage is bad
What Causes Blocked Drains?
Besides oil, here are other common culprits:
- Wet wipes
- Hair
- Coffee grounds
- Food scraps
- Tree roots invading outdoor pipes
What To Do When You’ve Got a Blocked Drain
- Try hot water + detergent or vinegar + baking soda
- Use a plunger to dislodge small blockages
- If it’s persistent — call your local plumber
The Bottom Line
Pouring oil down the drain? It might feel like no big deal, but it’s a one-way ticket to plumbing headaches and expensive repairs.
Instead:
- Bin it
- Recycle it (if applicable)
- Or chat to your plumber for safe disposal advice
Still dealing with a blocked drain? Give our team at The Plumbing & Electrical Doctor a call. We’ll get your pipes flowing smooth as again.
THE DOCTOR GETS IT DONE