Yes, a drain cleaner is an effective solution for removing grease blockages in drain pipes. High-pressure flushing with a drain cleaner breaks down grease deposits that have adhered to pipe walls and flushes them out of the system. The method works well in both private homes and larger drain systems, and is often the best solution when home solutions do not help. Here you will find answers to the most important questions about drain cleaners and grease blockages.
What is a grease blockage and how does it occur in drain pipes?
A grease trap is a tight blockage in a drain pipe that occurs when grease, cooking oil, and food residue accumulate over time. When you pour grease down the sink or scrape greasy dishes into the drain, the grease may appear liquid at first. However, when it encounters colder pipe walls, it solidifies and sticks to the inside of the pipes.
The problem gradually worsens because the solidified grease acts as a sticky surface for other food scraps, soap and waste that come with the wastewater. Layer by layer, the grease deposits build up, and gradually the pipe opening becomes smaller and smaller. This creates slow drainage, bubbling sounds from the drain and eventually the water can stop completely.
Typical signs that you have a fat block include:
- Water that flows slowly or is stagnant in the sink or shower
- Bad smell from the drain due to rotting food debris
- Gurgling sounds when water is about to drain
- Water coming up into other drains when using the sink or toilet
Grease blockages are especially common in kitchen drains, but can also occur in bathrooms and laundry rooms if soap residue and hair products mix with greasy water.
How does a car wash work against grease blockages?
A drain cleaning truck uses high-pressure flushing to remove grease blockages from drain pipes. The method involves running a specialized hose with nozzles down the drain system, and pumping water out under extremely high pressure. This water pressure, which can be several hundred bars, effectively breaks down grease deposits that have stuck to the pipe walls.
The nozzles on the flushing truck are designed to spray water both forward and backward into the pipes. This creates a powerful scrubbing effect that loosens grease and other debris from the pipe wall. At the same time, the water flushes all loose material out of the pipe system and into the main drain or septic tank.
The process usually starts with an inspection of the drain, often using a camera, to locate the blockage and assess its severity. The plumber then runs the flushing hose down to the appropriate sump or inspection point. Once the high-pressure flushing is complete, the plumber can do another camera check to confirm that the grease blockage has been completely removed and the pipes are clean.
The advantage of a drain cleaner compared to chemical drain openers or mechanical spirals is that the method completely removes the grease deposits, not just makes a hole through the blockage. This provides more lasting results and reduces the risk of new blockages in the near future.
When should you use a car wash to remove grease blockages?
You should contact a plumber with a flushing truck when home solutions do not work or when the grease blockage is severe. If the water in the sink is completely still after you have tried hot water, a plunger and possibly a drain spiral, it is a sign that the blockage is too deep or too extensive to be solved with simple methods.
Symptoms that indicate the need for professional help include:
- Complete blockage in the drain that cannot be solved by conventional methods
- Water that comes up into other drains or floor drains
- Recurring stops that occur shortly after you try to fix it yourself
- Bad smell that doesn't go away even when the water runs
- Stoppage in the main drain affecting multiple drains in the home
Minor grease blockages that only affect one sink and occur infrequently can often be handled at home. However, if the problem is in the main drain, in pipes outside the home, or if you have tried several times without success, it is time to call for professional help. Venting can make the problem worse and lead to water damage if the water starts to leak or overflow.
What can you do yourself before calling a tow truck?
For minor grease blockages, you can try some simple home remedies before calling a plumber. Start by pouring several liters of boiling water down the drain. Hot water melts grease and can loosen minor deposits. Repeat several times, every few minutes.
Another effective method is to combine hot water with dish soap. Pour a generous dollop of dish soap down the drain, wait a few minutes, and follow up with boiling water. The dish soap helps dissolve the grease, while the hot water rinses it out.
Mechanical methods you can try:
- Use a plunger to create pressure that can loosen the blockage
- Try a drain auger or pick spring that can reach deeper into the pipe
- Unscrew the strainer and clean the drain pipe just below the sink if the blockage is there.
To prevent future fat deposits, follow these tips:
- Never pour cooking oil or liquid fat down the drain, instead throw it in the residual waste.
- Rinse plates with cold water before washing them so that grease doesn't melt and run down.
- Use drain strainer to catch food debris
- Flush the drain with hot water and dish soap weekly as maintenance.
- Avoid pouring coffee grounds and other particles that can stick to grease
These measures significantly reduce the risk of grease blockages, but cannot always prevent them completely, especially in older pipes or sewage systems with poor slope.
How do we help with grease blockages in drains?
We quickly connect you with qualified plumbers who have access to professional equipment, including a drain cleaning truck. When you contact us with a grease blockage, we assess the situation and forward the assignment to an experienced plumber in your area who can solve the problem effectively.
Our partners are experienced with all types of grease blockages in drains, from small kitchen drains to larger main drains. They use modern high-pressure cleaning and camera inspection to locate the problem and ensure it is properly resolved.
Advantages of our service :
- 24/7 customer service available
- Fast response time for acute fat stops, often within one hour
- Network of reliable plumbers throughout Norway
- Professional equipment such as a flushing truck and camera inspection
- Free phone call where you can get advice before you order
When you call, you will speak to customer service who will assess the urgency of the problem. In urgent cases, we will immediately transfer the assignment to an available plumber nearby. For less urgent situations, we can often give you tips over the phone that can solve the problem, or arrange a suitable time for a visit.
Call 401 24 700 for emergencies or visit our website for scheduled visits. We will help you find the right solution for grease blockages in drains, no matter where you are in Norway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a car wash to remove grease blockages?
The price for a drain cleaning truck varies depending on how serious the grease blockage is, how accessible the drain is, and whether a camera inspection is needed. Typically, a drain cleaning truck job costs between 3000-8000 kroner for private homes. Emergency assignments outside of normal working hours may cost more, while scheduled visits are often less expensive. Call us at 401 24 700 for a specific price quote based on your situation.
Can high-pressure washing damage old drain pipes?
Professional plumbers adjust the pressure according to the pipe material and the condition of the sewer system. Modern flushing trucks have adjustable pressure, and experienced operators know how to handle older pipes made of concrete, clay or cast iron. If the pipes are in very poor condition with cracks or rust, the plumber will detect this through camera inspection and recommend alternative solutions or careful flushing.
How long does it take to remove a grease blockage with a car wash?
The actual flushing process usually takes 30-60 minutes for a standard grease blockage in a home. Including camera inspection before and after, as well as access and cleanup, you should expect 1-2 hours in total. More extensive blockages in long pipe runs or complicated drainage systems may take longer, but the plumber will inform you of the expected time once they have assessed the situation.
Will the grease trap come back after car wash, or is it a permanent solution?
A drain cleaner will completely remove the grease blockage and clean your pipes, but it is not a permanent solution if you continue with the same habits. If you regularly pour grease down the drain, new deposits will build up again. With good prevention – such as avoiding grease in the drain, using a drain strainer and flushing with hot water weekly – you can keep your pipes clean for many years. Some people also choose to have a preventative flush every 2-3 years.
Can a flushing truck be used on all types of sewage systems, including septic tanks?
Yes, a flushing truck works well on both municipal sewers and private septic tanks. For homes with a septic tank, it is actually important to remove grease blockages quickly, as grease can interfere with the bacterial processes in the tank and lead to poor cleaning. Your plumber will adapt the method to your specific sewage system and ensure that the grease flushes out in the right direction without damaging the septic tank.
What is the difference between a flushing truck and a mechanical sewage spiral?
A mechanical spiral drills a hole through the blockage, while a flushing truck removes the grease deposits completely from the pipe wall. Spirals work well against hair and solid objects, but often leave behind layers of grease that quickly build up again. A flushing truck provides more thorough cleaning and more lasting results in the case of grease blockages, and at the same time reaches further into the pipe system. For serious grease blockages, a flushing truck is therefore the most effective solution.
Do I have to be at home during the entire car wash job?
You must be present at the start so that the plumber has access to drain sumps, inspection points and any indoor drains for camera inspection. The actual flushing often takes place outdoors from a sump or inspection hatch, so you do not necessarily need to be present the entire time. Discuss with the plumber when booking – many can complete the job without you being home for the entire period, as long as they have the necessary access.
