Why You Should Never Pour Grease Down the Drain

How Grease Affects Your Drains Over Time

Many people routinely dump grease and oil into their drains because they think the water will just wash it away. Unfortunately, the truth is that while grease seems to be harmless when it’s hot, it will solidify as it cools and stick to the sides of your pipes, which narrows the area for water flow. Once there, it will act like a magnet for scraps of food, hair, and other debris and eventually begin to form larger clogs and blockages. Repeated deposits of grease will often require help from a professional plumber to remove it effectively.

The Consequences of Pouring Your Grease Down the Drain

Some homeowners might ignore this problem, but at some point, the consequences will arrive, and there is no way to avoid the results. At the most basic level, property owners will begin to experience sewage backups. This is messy and frustrating, and this is the point where most will hire a drain cleaning or plumbing repair service to fix the problem. If the buildup is still left in place, it could lead to pipe damage, which could lead to wastewater spills, environmental contamination, property damage, and home renovations to solve the hazards.

Simple Steps to Prevent Grease Buildup In Your Drain Lines

While the consequences of long-term neglect may be severe, the solutions for prevention are simple and easy to follow. Here are some practical tips that can help you avoid trouble:

• Dispose of Your Grease Properly: Let your grease cool down and scrape it into a container to throw away in the trash can.
• Rinse Your Dishes With Cold Water: Rinse all of your greasy plates or pans with cold water before you clean them. This will keep your oils solid so you can wipe them away.
• Use a Grease Trap: Grease traps are designed to collect fats and keep them out of your plumbing system.

What To Do If You Already Have a Blockage

Preventative techniques are important, but what should you do if a grease clog is already causing problems? First, you can try natural methods to try and remove the blockage. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners. These are caustic and can cause harm to the user as well as pipe damage if used repeatedly. Instead, mix up some hot water and a few drops of dish soap. This can help to break down any grease buildup in your drains. Next, try vinegar and baking soda, followed by hot water. If your clog still persists, it could be larger or deeper in your sewer line. A local plumber can provide a professional clog removal or drain cleaning service to get things flowing again.

Do You Need Reliable Plumbing Services?

Have you run into problems with grease buildup? Is it time for your next hydrojetting service or drain line inspection? Get help from Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our professionals have what it takes to get rid of stubborn clogs so you can stay productive. Contact us to schedule a time for your next clog removal or plumbing repair service.