How to Get Wax Out of the Sink

Getting wax down the drain is easier than you might think. Perhaps you spilled a candle into the sink or didn’t realize there was wax left in the jar you were cleaning. Unfortunately, wax in the drain can create a sticky mess that blocks pipes and leads to slow drainage. Here's how to get wax out of your drain without making the problem worse.

Can You Pour Candle Wax Down the Sink or Drain?

No, you should never pour candle wax down the drain — even if it’s melted and seems like a liquid. Wax hardens quickly as it cools. Once in the plumbing, it sticks to the inside of your pipes and traps other debris.

Running hot water may seem like a good fix. In reality, it only sends the melted wax farther down the line, where it can harden in hard-to-reach places. This leads to backups that’ll take a lot of work to unclog.

What Happens When You Pour Wax Down the Drain?

If you’ve accidentally poured wax down the sink, it won’t take long for damage to occur. No matter what temperature of water you use, the wax will eventually cool and solidify, coating the inside of the drain. Hot water can temporarily melt the wax, but it will re-solidify deeper in the line. When that happens, you’ll face:

• Narrowed pipe openings, slowing water flow
• Large clogs caused by hair, grease, and other particles trapped by the wax
• Completely backed-up drains that cause overflow

This kind of buildup often requires more than just a plunger. Attempting to dissolve it with hot water or harsh chemicals can backfire.

How to Get Wax Out of a Sink or Drain 

If you’ve got wax down the drain, don’t panic — but don’t reach for the hot water or chemical drain cleaners, either. You may be able to unclog the drain naturally with these safe steps:

Step 1:  Let the Wax Harden

It sounds counterintuitive, but you want the wax to harden. Wax is easier to remove in its solid state. To speed things up, you can try putting an ice cube down the drain but try to avoid running the water.

Step 2: Manually Remove What You Can

Now, it’s time to try and get the wax out of the sink.

• Use a spoon or dull plastic scraper to lift wax near the drain opening.
• Remove the sink stopper if possible for better access.
• Try pulling wax out in chunks rather than pushing it deeper.

Step 3: Try a Drain Snake or Wire Hanger

Once you’ve removed the wax by hand, use other tools to get a little deeper.

• Insert a drain snake or unbent wire hanger to grab the remaining wax.
• Use slow, steady motions to avoid forcing the blockage farther down.

This should be common sense, but dispose of any wax chunks in the trash, not back down the drain.

Step 4: Contact a Licensed Plumber

Sometimes, these steps might not be enough to handle the problem. Despite your good intentions, you may have pushed the wax further down the pipe or not been able to reach it all.

If this happens, don’t stress — just call a professional plumber. They have the right tools to clear hardened wax without damaging your pipes. 

How to Dispose of Candle Wax the Right Way

So, if you can’t throw candle wax down the drain, how do you get rid of it? Here’s how to dispose of candle wax the right way.

• Let the wax cool and harden in a container.
• Toss it in the trash or save it for crafts or DIY candle-making.
• Scrape or wipe excess wax from containers with a paper towel before rinsing.

No matter what you do, always let wax cool, and never dispose of it in the plumbing.

Act Quickly to Prevent a Major Clog

The moment you notice wax in the drain, stop and assess the situation. Avoid using hot water or chemical cleaners. Instead, let the wax harden, scrape it out, and gently snake the drain if needed. If it’s too deep to reach, it’s time to call in a pro.

Need help with a stubborn clog or hidden wax buildup? Contact Roto-Rooter for expert drain cleaning and reliable plumbing support.