Can Melted Candle Wax Go Down The Sink?

ByWyatt Lewis

Candles are a popular decorative item that can add ambiance and fragrance to any room. Many of us enjoy lighting candles in our homes. But what do you do when the candle burns down and leaves behind melted wax? Can you pour that leftover melted wax down the drain? Or will it clog pipes and cause plumbing issues?

This question often arises when cleaning up after enjoying candles, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where there are sinks nearby that seem convenient for disposing of leftover wax. But pouring hot wax down drains can lead to some frustrating and expensive plumbing repairs if you’re not careful.

In this article, we’ll look at what happens when you pour candle wax down the drain, the potential damage it can cause, and tips for properly disposing of wax without harming your plumbing.

What Happens When You Pour Candle Wax Down the Drain

sink with clogged drain full of dirty water

When hot liquid candle wax is poured down a drain, it quickly cools and hardens as it comes into contact with the cooler pipes and water[1]. The wax loses heat rapidly, changing from a liquid state to a solid state[2]. As the wax solidifies, it sticks to the sides of pipes, leading to a wax buildup. This buildup can accumulate over time with repeated pouring of hot candle wax, as layer upon layer of wax adheres to the pipes.

The wax tends to collect and harden within the P-trap area under sinks. The P-trap is designed to hold water to prevent sewer gases from entering the home. However, the trapped water also provides an ideal location for liquid wax to rapidly cool and solidify before it can travel further down the plumbing[3]. The wax then blocks water flow through the pipes, leading to slow drainage or completely clogged drains.

In summary, hot melted candle wax may seem harmless when poured down a drain, but it can quickly harden within pipes and cause major plumbing blockages.

[1] https://www.arengh.com/blog/what-to-do-when-you-poured-hot-wax-down-the-drain
[2] https://maintenance.home.narkive.com/AMWqojTD/i-accidentally-poured-melted-candle-wax-down-the-kitchen-sink-drain-which-blocked-it-what-to-do
[3] https://www.hunker.com/12001462/how-to-remove-wax-from-drains

Clogged Pipes

plumber snaking a clogged drain pipe

Pouring hot candle wax directly down the drain can lead to clogged pipes as the wax cools and hardens. As the semi-solid wax travels through the pipes, it sticks to the sides of the pipes, slowly building up over time. Eventually, enough wax accumulates to fully block the flow of water and clog the drain.

These clogs can occur in any part of the plumbing system from the sink drain to the sewer main line. Clogs in the main sewer line are especially problematic as they can back up the drains for the entire house.

According to Hunker, boiling water can sometimes be used to clear simple clogs by softening the built up wax so it can pass through the pipes (source). However, severe clogs often require the pipes to be mechanically cleared or snaked to fully remove the blockage.

Damage to Plumbing

Pouring hot melted candle wax directly down the drain can cause damage to pipes, sinks, and other plumbing. As the wax cools, it will harden and stick to the sides of pipes, creating a waxy buildup that can block water flow. Over time, pouring wax down the drain can cause complete blockages.https://www.atlantisplumbing.com/articles/what-will-dissolve-candle-wax-in-drain/ The wax buildup constricts pipes, preventing proper water drainage. Pipes can become fully clogged with hardened wax, requiring plumbing repairs.

The wax can also damage fixtures like sink drains by sticking and hardening in small crevices. Attempting to clear a fully clogged wax drain can damage pipes or sink parts. The wax can even make its way into other plumbing like washing machine hoses, clogging valves and supply lines. All of this can lead to leaks, water damage, and the need for plumbing repairs.https://www.reddit.com/r/askaplumber/comments/17m53cn/wondering_about_dealing_with_candle_wax_in_a/ The best practice is to avoid pouring hot candle wax directly into drains and instead let it fully harden before disposing of it.

How to Properly Dispose of Candle Wax

The best way to dispose of candle wax is to allow it to completely harden and then throw it away. Here are some tips for proper candle wax disposal:

hardened candle wax being scraped out of a jar

If there is wax left in a glass jar or metal tin, allow it to fully harden overnight. Once hardened, you can easily pop the wax out by turning the container over and tapping it gently. Discard the solid wax chunk in your regular trash.

For wax pooled in candle holders, plates, or bowls, wait for the melted wax to completely solidify before attempting to remove it. Depending on the amount of wax, this may take a few hours. Try placing the container in the freezer to speed up the hardening process.

Never pour leftover liquid candle wax down the drain. As the wax cools it will likely clog your pipes. This can cause plumbing issues over time. Allow all candle wax to fully harden before disposal.

If you need to quickly dispose of liquid wax, pour it into a heat-safe container filled with kitty litter, sand, or coffee grounds. The granulated material will absorb the wax as it hardens. Once set, you can toss the entire mixture in the trash.

You can also reuse hardened candle wax by melting it down and making new candles. But for quick, safe disposal, allow wax to completely harden and then throw it away in your regular garbage.

Source: https://chatelaine.com/howto/how-to-recycle-candle-jars/

When It’s Okay to Pour Candle Wax Down the Drain

While pouring melted candle wax down the drain is generally not recommended, small amounts occasionally may be okay. If just a teaspoon or two of wax accidentally made its way down the sink, running hot water for a minute or two can help wash away the wax before it hardens in the pipes. The heat from the water may be enough to melt and flush away tiny bits of wax.

Some sources say a small amount like 1 tablespoon or less of wax can potentially go down the drain without causing major issues if followed quickly by hot water (https://www.atlantisplumbing.com/articles/what-will-dissolve-candle-wax-in-drain/). The hot water helps melt and dilute the wax so it does not accumulate. However, it’s still best to avoid purposely pouring wax down drains altogether.

Using Hot Water to Melt Wax in Pipes

One of the simplest and most effective methods for removing a candle wax clog is by pouring hot water down the drain. The heat from the hot water will melt the hardened wax, allowing it to become liquid again and flow freely down the pipes. According to an article on the Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Educational Foundation website, “Never pour hot water on wax stuck in a drain. If it must be augered, run cold water so the pieces will float away and not re-solidify.” (source).

To use this method, bring a pot or kettle of water to a rolling boil on the stove. Carefully pour the hot water directly into the clogged drain. Continue replenishing with boiling water as it goes down the drain. The hot water melts the wax, allowing the clog to loosen and the water to push it down the pipes. Keep pouring until the drain is clear. You may need to repeat this process a few times to fully clear a stubborn clog.

One tip is to use a funnel or pour directly into the drain hole to concentrate the hot water right on the clog. Be sure to pour slowly and carefully to avoid splashing or burns. Wear gloves and safety equipment if needed. Also, run cool water for a few minutes after to solidify any remaining wax and prevent it from sticking again further down the pipes.

Chemical Cleaners to Remove Wax

A great way to dissolve candle wax is with a chemical drain cleaner. Look for drain cleaners that are wax dissolving formulas specifically.

Some examples of chemical drain cleaner ingredients that can dissolve wax include:

Make sure to follow the product instructions carefully. Pour the drain cleaner down the clogged drain and let it sit for the recommended time before flushing with hot water. The chemicals will dissolve the hardened wax so it can wash away down the pipes.

Preventing Candle Wax Clogs

candle on tray to catch melted wax

The best way to prevent melted candle wax from clogging your drains is to take precautions when burning candles. Use candle holders, plates, or mats to catch any dripping wax rather than letting it fall directly into the sink (https://spongeandsparkle.com/2023/10/19/say-goodbye-to-clogs-how-to-dissolve-candle-wax-in-a-drain/). Placemats, trays, and holders catch the wax drips and allow the wax to cool and harden so it can be easily disposed of.

Never pour leftover melted candle wax directly down the drain. Allow it to fully harden first and then throw it away. Scrape off any hardened wax on candle holders or plates and dispose of it before washing them. Taking these simple precautions will help prevent candle wax from building up in drains and pipes.

Conclusion

To recap, pouring melted candle wax directly down the drain is generally not recommended, as it can lead to clogged pipes and damage to your plumbing. The wax adheres to the sides of pipes and prevents water from flowing freely. Instead, it’s better to allow the wax to fully harden and then discard it in the trash. If you do end up with some wax in your pipes, using hot water or chemical drain cleaners can help remove it. But the best approach is to take precautions to keep wax out of your drains in the first place. This will save you from dealing with clogged and slow-flowing drains. In conclusion, melted candle wax in most cases should not be poured down the sink if you want to avoid plumbing issues.

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