How Does Grease Affect Drains?

Pouring grease down the drain might seem like an easy way to get rid of it, but it can cause a lot of problems. When the grease cools, it solidifies. So, even though it might run from the pan and down the drain at first, it quickly solidifies in the pipes and serves as a sticky trap for dirt and debris. This obstruction might delay the drain or clog the pipes over time. Additionally, septic tanks and local sewer systems suffer damage from grease. Even neighborhood sewer systems have been choked by significant grease buildup (fatbergs!).

So, what can you do with your grease? Let it cool and then dispose of it in the trash. Pouring hot grease down the sink might seem like an easy solution, but it’s one of the worst things you can do for your plumbing.

What to Do With Left-Over Cooking Grease?

If you're cooking with solid cooking grease, like bacon grease, duck fat, or lard, be sure to dispose of it safely. Do not throw it down the drain, as it will harden in the pipes and can cause clogs. Instead, pour it into a container with a lid and discard it in the trash.



If you're using liquid cooking oil, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil, be careful how you dispose of it. It will not flow down the drain if disposed of that way. Instead, read on to learn how to deal with this liquid grease safely.

Grease

If the grease is still hot, just pour it into a container or can designated for holding grease. Mason jars work nicely, or you may use a can opener to remove the soda can's cap to create a disposable grease can.



Simply scrape the solid grease into the garbage can or discard the entire container when the jar or can is full. You can also leave the grease in the pan, let it harden, and then use paper towels to get rid of it.

Cooking Oil

First, let the cooking oil cool completely before using it. If you have less than a cup of oil, you can pour it into the trash can on top of a few paper towels. This will help absorb the grease and make it easier to dispose of. If you have more than a cup of oil, though, this might not be an option.



In that case, pour the oil into a container and use it again the next time you're frying. You can also store spent cooking oil in plastic bottles with screw caps and discard the entire container once it is full. (Tighten the lid's screws so the oil doesn't leak out.)

Leaky Pipes

When water leaks from a pipe, it can cause dampness. Depending on the contents of the pipe that’s leaking (whether it be clean water or sewage) - the smells can vary greatly!



In addition, if the leak is in a fitting or connection, it can cause even more damage if it is causing dampness in walls, flooring or ceilings. These leaks can usually be detected via the condition of the walls, tiles and ceiling paint.

If you suspect a leak, there's no better choice than hiring a professional to perform a leak detection and repair the leaks. Doing so will not only save you money in the long run, but it will also provide peace of mind knowing that your pipes are fixed.

What to do if I have already poured grease down the drain?

If you have already poured grease down the drain, it is important to call a professional plumber to remove the grease and debris from the pipes. Pouring hot water and dish soap may help to liquefy the grease in the short-term, but it will not-likely remove the clog if it’s already accumulated. A plumber can locate where in the pipes the grease and debris have accumulated and remove them thoroughly. This will allow you to move forward with a drain free from further clogs.

Conclusion

Pouring grease down the drain is a big no-no. It can cause all sorts of problems for your plumbing, from clogs to full blockages. The best way to handle cooking grease is by using a container or bag to store it until you can dispose of it properly.



If you’ve already poured grease down the drain, don’t worry – call a professional plumber service to fix the problem before it gets worse. Contact Down to Earth Plumbing Maintenance today to find out more about how to properly get rid of trash or to get expert plumbing maintenance services.

Call your Local Plumbing Service for your plumbing needs

Down to Earth Plumbing Maintenance is your one-stop shop for all of your plumbing needs. We not only handle clogged drains caused by pouring grease down the drain, but we also do blocked downpipes, blocked storm water drains, and blocked sewer drains in Lake Macquarie.

We also have a wide range of other services that we offer, including blocked sinks and shower drains. We are dedicated to providing the best possible service to our customers, and we are always available to answer any questions that you may have. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.