Grease, Fat and Oils can Block Drains

Little attention is paid to what we pour down the sink which is why we encourage all our clients to decrease the amounts of fats, oil and grease they allow to go down their drains. We are often called to fix backups and plumbing problems caused by major dumping of oil and grease into the drains.

When people pour fat oil or grease down the drain it solidifies and cools, creating blockages in the sewage system. Since the homeowner lines are smaller, they clog more easily and overflow. The consequences can be devastating not to mention the pungent smell that comes along with it!

It is an ugly mess when plumbing lines back up. For a business, you have to shut down till the drain cleans up. At home, you cannot use your dishwater, washing machine or even flush your toilet. The backup not only stinks, it contains a full range of unhealthy bacteria and viruses that will put your health and the health of your family at risk. So think before you dump that heavy put of cooking oil down your drain!

Preventing the backup is really simple. There are better ways to dispose of your fat, oil and grease:

• Use a container with a tight-fitting lid and freeze it and then throw the hardened oil away on trash day. A coffee can will do the job but you can buy special bags for grease collection.
• Scrape food scraps, oil and grease from kitchen utensils and equipment into the trash before washing to help keep grease out of the drains.
• Use a paper towel to wipe up small amounts of cooking oil, such as meat drippings.
• If you do pour oil and grease down the drain, avoid using hot water to wash the grease away.

Mattioni Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is always available to answer any of your questions concerning gas log installation, and repair services. Contact us today: 610-400-8510