It may seem normal for many households to pour used cooking oil and grease down the kitchen sink, thinking it will simply wash away. In reality, this is one of the most common causes of drain troubles and can lead to costly repairs. As the leading expert in drain cleaning in Stow, OH, C. Lee Services highlights how keeping FOG out of your home plumbing can save you from unnecessary headaches and expenses.
What is FOG?
FOG stands for fats, oils, and grease, which are byproducts of cooking and food preparation. These substances come from animal fats, vegetable oils, dairy products, and meat scraps. Although they may seem harmless when in liquid form, FOG cools and solidifies and can build up inside pipes – resulting in a clogged drain over time.
How FOG Affects Your Plumbing
When FOG accumulates in your pipes, it will gradually reduce the flow of water and eventually lead to a complete blockage. This can lead to foul odors, backups, and even burst pipes, resulting in costly repairs and considerable stress that could have been avoided. Additionally, when FOG mixes with other debris in your pipes, it can create a hardened mass that is difficult to remove and will likely require professional drain cleaning services to resolve.
Environmental Impact of FOG
When FOG enters the sewer system, it doesn’t just cause problems for individual homes; it also affects the wider community. Accumulated FOG can cause sewer overflows, leading to untreated wastewater spilling into streets, parks, and waterways. This pollution can harm wildlife, contaminate drinking water sources, and create public health hazards.
Managing FOG
To avoid these problems and having to call your drain cleaning company for emergency services, it’s essential to dispose of FOG properly. After cooking, allow fats, oils, and grease to cool and solidify. Then, scrape them into a container that can be thrown away with your regular trash. For larger quantities of oil, such as from frying, consider taking it to a recycling center where it can be repurposed for biodiesel or other uses. Wiping greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing them can also help minimize the amount of FOG entering your drains.
C. Lee Services provides reliable and professional drain cleaning solutions, utilizing specialized techniques like drain snaking and hydro jetting to effectively address blockages in your plumbing system. But in the spirit of prevention being better than cure, we hope to raise awareness of the impact of FOG and encourage responsible disposal practices to keep your drains and the environment clean and healthy. Give us a call today to learn more.
