Pouring grease down the drain might seem harmless, but it can lead to serious plumbing issues over time. When hot grease cools, it solidifies and accumulates inside your pipes, eventually causing clogs that restrict water flow. Here is the list of things that may happen if you pour grease down the drain.
- It Clogs Your Pipes
- It Can Lead to Costly Plumbing Repairs
- Grease Can Cause Foul Odors
- Grease Can Damage the Sewer System
- Risk of Grease “Fatbergs” in Sewer Lines
1. It Clogs Your Pipes
When you pour grease down the drain, it cools and solidifies, sticking to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this buildup narrows the pipe’s diameter, which restricts water flow and can result in severe clogs. These clogs are often difficult to remove and can cause water to back up into your sinks, creating a messy, inconvenient problem.
2. It Can Lead to Costly Plumbing Repairs
Grease blockages in pipes can quickly turn into a significant issue, often requiring professional plumbing services to resolve. When untreated, these blockages worsen, becoming more difficult and costly to clear. Ignoring the problem can lead to major repairs or even pipe replacement, which can be both inconvenient and expensive.
3. Grease Can Cause Foul Odors
As grease accumulates in your pipes, it can trap food particles and debris that eventually decay. This decaying matter emits a foul odor that can seep through the pipes and into your home. Over time, the smell becomes harder to ignore and can require professional intervention to eliminate.
4. Grease Can Damage the Sewer System
Grease that flows into municipal sewer lines can create more significant problems. It combines with other waste, forming blockages that clog sewers and lead to backups. This not only damages public infrastructure but also poses health risks to the surrounding community, potentially requiring costly and extensive municipal repairs.
5. Risk of Grease “Fatbergs” in Sewer Lines
In the sewer system, grease can mix with other waste materials, forming dense, rock-like “fatbergs.” These fatbergs clog pipes and are challenging to remove, often requiring municipal intervention. The removal process is labor-intensive and expensive, putting a financial strain on local governments and, ultimately, on taxpayers.
You Accidentally Poured Grease Down The Drain — Now What?
If you’ve already poured grease down the drain, take action immediately to minimize the damage. Here are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of clogs or buildup.
- No More Grease
- Run the Hot Water
- Pour Down Dish Soap
- Call A Professional Plumber For Inspection
1. No More Grease
Stop pouring any more grease down the drain. Every additional amount will make it harder to prevent blockages and potential damage. Avoid letting any more oil or fat flow down the pipes.
2. Run the Hot Water
Immediately run hot water to keep the grease in liquid form, helping to flush it further down the drain. Let the hot water flow for several minutes to ensure the grease moves through the pipes and doesn’t have a chance to solidify.
3. Pour Down Dish Soap
Certain dish soaps are effective at breaking down grease. Use a generous amount of dish soap with hot water, as this combination can help dissolve the grease and push it out of your plumbing system.
4. Call A Professional Plumber For Inspection
For a thorough clean-up, contact a professional plumber, like TX Hydrojet in Houston, TX, who specializes in clearing grease-clogged pipes. Professional services can inspect and clean your pipes effectively, helping prevent long-term damage.
How to Properly Dispose Grease
Instead of pouring grease down the drain, follow these safe disposal methods to protect your plumbing and the environment.
- Let It Cool and Trash It
- Use Paper Towels for Small Amounts
- Use a Grease Disposal System
- Reuse Grease for Cooking
1. Let It Cool and Trash It
Pour grease into a heat-safe container and let it cool and solidify. Once it’s solid, scrape it into the trash. Avoid the drain at all costs.
2. Use Paper Towels for Small Amounts
For small amounts of grease, wait for the pan to cool, then wipe it with a paper towel and dispose of it in the trash to prevent buildup.
3. Use a Grease Disposal System
Consider using grease disposal bags or kits, which are designed specifically for safe storage and disposal of cooking grease.
4. Reuse Grease for Cooking
For clean cooking grease, strain and store it for reuse in future recipes. Oils like bacon fat and chicken drippings can add flavor to dishes, reducing waste and benefiting your cooking.
By following these tips, you can protect your plumbing from grease buildup and contribute to a healthier, more efficient sewer system.
