"If your drains have any kind of clog in them, that's going to slow the flow of water, but you shouldn't use boiling water to unclog it. Modern household pipes are not designed to handle boiling water. Hot water, sure. But not boiling. PVC pipes (typical in most homes) are only meant to handle up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Boiling temperatures can cause stress on metal and plastic pipes, as well as the joints that connect them."
"If you have a clog that prevents water flow, the hot water will simply sit there, causing the pipe to absorb more heat. This situation is compounded in the winter, when the pipes are colder and therefore more susceptible to temperature shock. The sudden introduction of extremely high temperature water can cause the pipes to expand rapidly and split open, or warp them enough to cause a leak."
"Even if you don't have a full clog in your pipes right now, odds are there is some buildup. When boiling water goes down the drain, it can melt some of the residue and carry it deeper into the pipe, where it resolidifies. Think of it like a snowball effect. The boiling water can carry grease to a new spot, where it cools and solidifies again, creating a larger, more damaging buildup."
Pouring boiling water down household drains can damage pipes and worsen clogs. Most modern pipes, especially PVC, are rated to about 140°F and are not meant to handle boiling temperatures. Boiling water can stress metal and plastic pipes and the joints that connect them. If a clog slows flow, the hot water can sit and raise pipe temperature, risking rapid expansion, splitting, warping, or leaks, especially during winter when pipes are colder. Boiling water can melt grease and carry it deeper into pipes where it resolidifies, creating larger buildups. Use non-boiling unclogging methods and dispose of kitchen grease properly.
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