The fats, oil and grease (FOG) found in food such as meat, cooking oil, shortening, sauces and dairy products are major concerns for our sewer system. When you put cooking leftovers like grease, oil and food scraps down the drain, it sticks to the sides of your pipes. This clogs your pipes and causes back-ups resulting in an expensive visit from the plumber. Please take precautions to keep your pipes grease free.
How to Clean Dishes to Protect Your Pipes
• Remove oil and grease from all dishes and pans before washing. Once
grease or cooking oil has cooled, pour into covered collection containers.
Wipe out the remainder using a paper towel. Never pour oil or grease down
the drain.
• The garbage disposal does not destroy grease, it only makes it smaller. If
you have accumulated grease in your pipes, putting food scraps down the
drain can clog your pipes faster. Scrape food scraps from dishes into a trash
can to avoid using your garbage disposal.
• Cover kitchen sink drains with catch baskets (strainers) and empty into the
trash can as needed.
• Avoid using the garbage disposal and hot water. If grease does go down the
drain, follow it with cold water.
Public Works Director: Rod Hainey