During food preparation, fats, oils, and grease and sometimes, solids (F.O.G.[S]) are created. If poured down the drain or improperly disposed, FOG can build up in sewer pipes and coat the inside of the pipes, eventually forming a blockage. Constant blockages can cause backups and sewage overflows into homes and businesses and onto roadways and property, eventually flow into local waterways, causing contamination.
Some of the sources causing these blockages are:
- Gravy, sauces and soups
- Cooking oil, butter, shortening, lard and margarine
- Milk, cream, sour cream and mayonnaise
- Food scraps
- Oil from cooked meats
- Baking goods
- Butter, lard, shortening
- Fats and oil from cooked meats
- Salad dressings
- Solids can be anything, especially any inorganic fiber (such as baby wipe [even the flushable kind]).
Any foods not good for you are not good for your pipes.
Tips to keep your drains fat-free:
- Pour fats, oils and grease into a container and store in the freezer, then put in the trash after it has hardened
- Use paper towels to wipe greasy dishes before washing
- Use sink strainers to catch food waste when washing
- Put food scraps in compost bin or in the trash