How to Clear a Congested Drainpipe

CONCORD — Clogged drainpipes are common in many residential households, and one of the main culprits is grease from cooking. Over time, grease can settle on the bottom of a drainpipe and eventually create a stoppage. That’s why you should never pour grease down your sink drain when you’re cooking. Instead, let the grease sit until it congeals, then use a paper towel to wipe off the grease and throw it in the garbage.

When grease buildup is allowed to sit in a drain for an extended period of time, it can result in a congested pipe. In this situation, a drain snake (aka auger) won’t fix the problem—it’ll go through the stoppage and come back out without actually removing it. The only way to effectively clear a congested drainpipe is with hydro flushing. A plumbing technician will run a hydro line inside your drainpipe and apply water at a pressure of up to 2,000 PSI. This pressurized water will blow all the grease buildup out of the pipe and down the drain. Once cleared, your drain will function properly again.