Candle Wax Down Sink: A Guide from A R Engh.
The items that should go down your kitchen drain are limited to water and small particles of food if you have a garbage disposal. Other items going down your drain run the risk of causing clogs.
None have more of a risk than hot wax, especially when it is poured down the drain.
DON'T POUR HOT WAX DOWN YOUR DRAIN!
The major issue is that hot wax goes into drains as a liquid, but it doesn’t stay that way for long. The volume of the wax helps keep it in a liquid state by holding heat. However, when you pour it down the drain, that will dissipate the heat quickly and form into a solid. Once that happens, you have a problem. Even a small amount of wax can cause a sink to clog or drain slowly.
Unfortunately, once the wax is in the drain, it’s very difficult to remove.
You can try to plunge your sink in the attempt to get small pieces of wax to dislodge, but more than likely that will be unsuccessful. Using cold water in conjunction with a drain snake might help address more stubborn clogs after initial attempts fail. Even harsh drain cleaners won’t remove the wax. Even harsh drain cleaners won’t remove the wax, and common household chemicals like acetone or isopropyl alcohol, which can dissolve candle wax, are often ineffective in this context. And trying to dissipate the clog by pouring boiling water is not recommended either; this only pushes the wax deeper in the drain where it will harden again.
The only way to truly remove wax from inside a drain is to use a drain snake equipped with cutting blades that match the diameter of your drain. Disassembling the P-trap and cleaning both the trap and the connected pipe is often necessary to effectively eliminate wax build-up. This tool may be difficult to find, thus you’ll likely need to call a plumber if hot wax is causing your drain to clog.
Our best advice is simple: never pour hot wax down your drain. If you do, use a large pot to catch excess water when removing the P-trap to avoid further mess. But if you do, please give our team of master plumbers a call. We’ll be happy to help point you in the right direction and get your drain functioning correctly.
Preventing Clogs with Proper Disposal
Preventing clogs in your kitchen sink drain is crucial to avoid the hassle and expense of removing melted candle wax. Proper disposal of melted candle wax is key to preventing clogs. Here are some tips to help you dispose of melted candle wax correctly:
Let it Harden: Allow the melted candle wax to harden completely before disposing of it. This will prevent it from flowing down the drain and causing a clog.
Throw it Away: Once the wax has hardened, throw it away with your regular garbage. Do not pour it down the drain or dispose of it in a way that could lead to it entering the drainage system.
Reuse It: Consider reusing leftover candle wax to create a new candle. This is a great way to reduce waste and get creative.
Store It Properly: If you need to store melted candle wax, make sure to keep it in a sealed container and away from heat sources. You can also store it in the freezer for later use.
Be Mindful of Hot Wax: Never pour hot wax down your drain, as it can quickly solidify and cause a clog. If you accidentally pour hot wax down your drain, act quickly to remove it before it causes a blockage.
By following these tips, you can prevent clogs and ensure that your kitchen sink drain remains free-flowing. Remember to always prioritize proper disposal of melted candle wax to avoid the hassle and expense of removing it from your drain.
Additional Tips:
Use a drain screen or filter to catch any debris, including wax, before it enters the drain.
Run hot water through your drain regularly to help dissolve any wax or debris that may be accumulating.
Consider using a drain maintenance product to help keep your drain clear and free-flowing.
By taking these steps, you can help prevent clogs and keep your kitchen sink drain running smoothly.