Our Department of Water Resources needs your help to keep our waterways and community clean. Fats, oils, and grease in everyday food products can damage pipes in your home and build up in our sewer system.
When fats, oils, or grease are poured down the drain, these food products may adhere to the pipe walls in your home and our sewer lines. Overtime, FOG can build up, restrict, or completely block pipes. These blockages can damage our sewer lines, leading to hazardous sewer overflows in your neighborhood.
Every household plays an important role in preventing neighborhood sewer blockages.
Prevent FOG clogs by following these simple clean-up tips while cooking:
- Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the sink, garbage disposal, or toilet
- Before washing them, scrape and wipe pots, pans, and dishes with paper towels and dispose of the materials in the trash
- Pour fats, oils, and grease after they have cooled into a container; once the container is full, secure it with a lid and place it in the trash
- Put baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other food solids before emptying the contents into the trash
- Minimize use of garbage disposals
Remember, home garbage disposals do not keep grease out of your pipes. In addition, hot water and products such as detergents that claim to dissolve grease only pass it down the line and cause problems elsewhere.
Learn more about preventing issues from FOG.