Hot or cold water to flush waste materials down sink drains?

Question

We have several different opinions about using hot or cold water to flush kitchen sink drains after pouring any kind of greasy material or using disposer to grind up and drain anything greasy.  I have been told to use hot water so the grease does not congeal easily.  Others have been told to use cold water, to make the grease congeal so it will drain down the system to the main in clumps.  What are the opinions out there? Experiences of plumbers?
Thanks.

mountaingirl · Accepted Answer

For a test, take a glass of cold water and dump a tablespoon of shortening or margarine or butter in it.  Beside that, take another glass with hot water and dump in butter, margarine or shortening.  Let your eyes answer your question.  I think you're smarter than they are.

adam/penny · Answer

i'm not a plumber, but there is no doubt in my mind that HOT water is the correct way to flush the remnants down the drain. i would even add a little bit of liquid dish detergent to help break up the grease further.  when grease congeals it just sticks to the metal an doesn't go down the drain.   that sounds stupid to me.
74 and still counting.

Anonymous · Answer

Just to give you another opinion. I would not use the the kitchen drain to put anything greasy down there, as it eventually ends up in the lakes and water reservoirs that provides us with drinking water.
I would suggest using a paper towel to "mop up" the greasy stuff and throwing it in the garbage. This way the micro -organisms will start to digest the grease and break it down.

Hot or cold water to flush waste materials down sink drains?

3 Answers