Found a 30 year old hack for clearing a grease trap that actually worked

Ngl I was about to call a hydrovac truck for a 1500 gallon grease trap at an old diner downtown. Thing was caked solid after they closed for 6 months. Old plumber walks by as im staring at it, tells me to dump a case of cheap root beer down it and let it sit for 24 hours. Figured what the hell, it beat paying $800 for a pump out. Came back next morning and the stuff had broken up enough to rod through without a hitch. Anyone else ever try something weird like that for a stubborn blockage?

2 comments

2 Comments

mila_craig41mo ago

So root beer works better than the actual drain cleaner I bought?

kevin_hernandez831mo ago

Yeah I've definitely been there, bought the expensive chemical stuff only to have a soda work better. My sink was clogged so bad I spent 20 bucks on that heavy duty gel and nothing happened, then my roommate poured some old root beer down the drain and it cleared right up. Makes you feel real smart spending all that money for nothing.