When it comes to our homes, we want to take care of them. Maintaining your home’s private sewer line is a sure way to ensure you are keeping your property in good condition. One of the most common causes of clogs is fats, oils, and grease (FOG). When these substances go down the drain, they can create a thick, sticky substance that can cause serious problems for your plumbing system, and leave a dent in your wallet.
What Happens When Fats, Oils, & Grease Are Poured Down the Sink?
The EPA estimates that approximately 47% of all sanitary sewer overflows are grease-related. When fats, oils, and grease are poured down your sink, as they cool they solidify to the walls of your pipes, forming large conglomerations with other buildups that may already exist in your drain. Consequences of buildup include; sewage backing up into your home, reduction in pipe flow, slow drains, contamination of water sources, and costly repairs.
Where Do Fats, Oils, and Grease Come From?
The most common sources of household fog come from meats and other leftover food that is improperly disposed of. Sauces, gravies, salad dressing, dairy products, cooking oils, shortenings, butter, cosmetics, and toiletries all contribute to the costly repairs that stem from blockages in your drainage system.
Preventing Buildup
Preventing buildup throughout your home’s private sewer line is the responsibility of every homeowner.
To avoid costly repairs that are related to fats, oils, and grease, consider these tips:
- ALWAYS use a strainer in your sink: This will help catch any food scraps or debris before it has a chance to go down the drain.
- NEVER pour FOG into a container: Once it has cooled, pour it into a container and dispose of it in the trash.
- ALWAYS scrape your plates: Before washing your dishes, make sure to scrape any leftover food or grease into the garbage.
Excessive fats, oils, and grease in the sewer system affect more than just you. FOG restricts the flow of water throughout your home, and when left untreated, it becomes a health hazard to the environment and anyone exposed.
Do your part to unclog the FOG!
For more information on how you can prevent FOG-related sewer issues, visit our CAN IT website below!
