Fats, oils and grease clogging your kitchen.
Grease and fat blockages are one of the most common plumbing problems in residential and commercial kitchens. Fats, oils and grease (FOG) go down the drain as a liquid — then cool, solidify and build up on pipe walls until stubborn clogs form.
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Signs you have a FOG blockage
Recognising the signs of a fats, oils and grease blockage early can save you time and money. Here are the common indicators to look out for:
Slow draining water
Water taking longer than usual to drain from sinks, tubs or showers can signal a developing blockage.
Unpleasant odours
Foul smells from your drains can indicate grease is accumulating and starting to rot.
Gurgling sounds
Gurgling noises from nearby fixtures may mean air is trapped behind a FOG blockage.
Backed-up water
Water backing up into your sink or tub when other fixtures are used is a clear sign of a significant blockage.
Frequent clogs
Regularly dealing with clogged drains — especially in the kitchen — often points to grease accumulation.
Liquid going in, solid staying put
When grease and fat are heated they stay liquid, making them easy to wash down the sink. As they cool, they solidify, stick to the sides of the pipes and gradually build into a blockage.
Where grease strikes
Kitchen sinks
The number one entry point — cooking oils and pan fat rinsed down the drain after meals.
Dishwashers
Greasy residue from plates and pans accumulates in dishwasher drains and connecting pipes.
Floor drains
In busy kitchens, spilled oils and mop water carry fats straight into floor waste drains.
Sewer lines
Grease that makes it past smaller pipes hardens in the sewer line, restricting the whole system.
What it can lead to
- Slow drainage — grease buildup restricts water flow, especially in kitchen sinks and dishwashers
- Sewage backups — severe blockages force wastewater back into sinks and drains, creating mess and health hazards
- Pipe damage — pressure from restricted flow can crack or break pipes, leading to costly repairs
- Compliance issues — in commercial settings, repeat blockages can mean fines or closure under health regulations
Best methods to solve grease and fat blockages
If you're dealing with a grease or fat blockage, we have proven solutions to resolve the issue:
Mechanical snaking
A drain snake physically breaks up the greasy blockage, restoring smooth drainage.
Hydro jetting
High-pressure water jets break down grease, fat and FOG blockages, leaving your pipes clear and functioning properly.
Hot water hydro jetting
Combining hydro jetting with hot water dissolves and flushes out grease more effectively — ideal for stubborn buildup.
Grease trap installation
For commercial kitchens, a grease trap captures fats and oils before they enter the plumbing, dramatically reducing blockages.
How to prevent a greasy sink
Preventing grease and fat blockages is far easier than dealing with them after they form:
Dispose of grease properly
Let grease cool and solidify, then put it in the bin — never down the sink.
Use a strainer
A drain strainer catches food particles and grease before they enter the plumbing.
Regular maintenance
Routine drain cleaning prevents buildup from accumulating over time.
Educate your household
Make sure everyone at home knows what can and cannot go down the drain.
Troubleshooting this problem
Poured oil down the sink, or noticing slow drains and odd smells? Don't panic — a few steps you can try first:
- 1
Run hot water straight away
If grease has just gone down the drain, flush immediately with hot water to keep it liquid and moving.
- 2
Try baking soda and vinegar
Pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, follow with a cup of vinegar, wait a few minutes, then flush with hot water.
- 3
Check for visible clogs
Inspect your sink, dishwasher and floor drains for any visible grease buildup.
- 4
Monitor drainage
Take note of any recurring slow drains and where they occur.
- 5
Test other fixtures
If other drains in your home are affected, the problem may sit deeper in the plumbing system.
If these methods don't work, it's time to call a professional plumber — hardened grease rarely shifts without the right equipment.
Ready when your drains aren't.
No call-out fee, CCTV diagnosis and same-day clearing — backed by the Flow Safe Plumbing team.
Grease blockages, gone for good
Mr Drainage has built a solid reputation tackling the most stubborn grease and fat blockages for Melbourne homes and businesses — fast, effective solutions that restore your plumbing and your peace of mind.
Fast local response
We don't waste time. Our local teams arrive fast, ready to tackle even the messiest grease-clogged drains with speed and precision.
No surprises — fixed pricing
What you see is what you get. We assess on-site and give you a clear, upfront quote before any work begins.
Friendly and dependable
Our team is reliable, approachable and ready to handle any plumbing problem, big or small, with confidence and expertise.
Why wait? Call Mr Drainage at any hour.
Our 24/7 team is ready to restore your drains to their pre-blockage condition - no matter the scale. Avoid costly damage and get a fast response today.
Grease and fat blockage FAQs
What Melbourne home and business owners ask us about greasy drains.
Can I use boiling water to clear grease blockages?
Boiling water can help dissolve some grease, but it's rarely effective on larger, hardened blockages — those usually need professional clearing.
Are chemical drain cleaners safe for grease blockages?
Chemical drain cleaners can be harmful to your pipes and often don't resolve the underlying problem. We recommend safer, more effective methods.
How often should I have my drains cleaned?
Regular maintenance is recommended at least once a year — more frequently if you notice slow drainage or run a commercial kitchen.
What should I do if my kitchen sink is clogged?
Try hot water with baking soda and vinegar first. If the clog persists, call a professional plumber before it gets worse.
Can grease blockages lead to bigger plumbing issues?
Yes. Left unaddressed, grease blockages can cause serious problems including sewage backups, leaks and pipe damage.
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