If you love your melts you will have been dealing with pools of melted wax often. It is easy to think that pouring liquid wax down the sink is a quick way to clean up. However, this is one of the most common plumbing mistakes you can make.
Why Wax is Bad for Pipes
Melted wax looks like water when it is hot but as soon as it enters your drain, it hits cool pipes and water and within seconds, the wax turns from a liquid back into a solid. Once it hardens, the wax acts like glue. It sticks to the walls of your pipes and catches everything else that goes down the drain, such as hair and bits of food. This creates a thick, nasty block clinging inside your pipes that is very hard to remove.
The Boiling Water Mistake
Many people think they can fix a wax clog by pouring boiling water down the sink but it can be a bad idea. The hot water might melt the wax for a moment, but it can push the mess deeper into your plumbing. When it cools down again, the wax can harden in a spot that is much harder for a plumber to reach.
How to Dispose of Wax Safely
The best rule is to keep wax out of your drains entirely. Here are three easy ways to clean up your melts and save your pipes and your pocket:
- Let the wax cool and harden completely in its burner dish. Once it is solid, pop it out and throw it in your regular household bin.
- While the wax is still warm and liquid, drop a few cotton balls into the dish. They will soak up the wax like a sponge. You can then toss the cotton balls in the bin or use them as a fire starter when camping.
- Use a piece of kitchen roll to wipe out any leftover residue while the burner is still slightly warm.
What to Do if You’ve Already Done It
If you have already poured wax down the sink and it is now blocked, don’t panic.
- Stop the water – Do not run the tap or try to flush the clog with hot water.
- Check the U-bend – Most wax gets stuck in the U-shaped pipe under the sink. You can place a bucket underneath, unscrew this pipe, and scrape the wax out with a blunt spoon or knife.
- Call a plumber – If the clog is deeper you will most likely need a plumber. In the UK it costs about £90 on average to have a professional unblock a sink.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your home smelling great without a costly visit from the plumber.
