Can Snakes Unclog Grease Clogs?

[JamesAA]

had a full backup a couple days ago in my bathroom sink (no other place in the house). Ran a snake down the drain and it came back VERY black (like oil) with a little hair but not a ton. Low and behold that did it. I couldn't believe it but that freed it up completely.

The hair wasn't much but the black oil was plentiful. What's useful in gettnig rid of that oil? Is that what snakes are for? It doesn't really seem that the coils of a snake are meant to capture oil, but rather break through and grab on to things like hair balls.

And what is the best way to maintain as grease free pipes as possible? Monthly bleach down the drain? Drain-O?

 

[Matt30]

Well....grease and oil isnt supposed to go down the drain.

 

[SHR]

You do not have "oil". The black gunk (official term I always use) is the product of decomposing soap scum, skin cells and hair from your sink. Use the snake or a "ZipIt" type tool regularly and the problem should be eliminated.

And do not ever even mention using drain chemicals around me. Extremely dangerous and seldom work.

 

[JamesAA]

You do not have "oil". The black gunk (official term I always use) is the product of decomposing soap scum, skin cells and hair from your sink. Use the snake or a "ZipIt" type tool regularly and the problem should be eliminated.

And do not ever even mention using drain chemicals around me. Extremely dangerous and seldom work.

Thanks SHR, not only for this post but the others. Good to know how these things work.

 

[IFIXH20]

Before jetting machines and all the fancy cable heads out these days. We used to swab drain lines that were all greased up. Secure a rag ball to the cable and go at it. (rag ball = rags secured to the cable in the shape of a ball). I agree SHR you have black gunk.