You’ve probably seen stomach churning images of giant ‘fatbergs’ in underground sewer systems on the news.
But the incorrect disposal of fats, oils and greases (FOG’s) can actually cause problems in your own home, before they reach public sewerage.
Avoid blockages and other issues by making sure you dispose of fats and oils the right way.
Avoid septic tank problems
We’ve talked about how grease can damage a septic tank or prevent it from working properly.
And this includes FOG’s other than just cooking oil or grease – meaning anything from salad dressings to gravy and other condiments.
Keep your septic tank or sewage treatment plant in working order by minimising the amount of fats and grease that go down your drains.
How should I dispose of fats and oils?
If you have fat in liquid form, don’t simply pour it into the bin – especially if it is hot, as this could pose a fire risk or cause your bag to melt.
Instead, pour fat into a non-recyclable container and you can then dispose of that when it has cooled.
Even better, transfer liquid fat to a receptacle that can go in the fridge or freezer, then it can be simply scraped into the bin when cold, reducing waste.
And use a paper towel to wipe any excess residues off cooking materials before running them under hot water.
Why do I need to worry about drain maintenance?
If you put liquid fats down your drain, they can cool and become solid, causing blockages and slowing down your drainage.
But drain clogging is just one of the headaches that can occur if you don’t dispose of fats and oils the right way.
Other potential problems can include:
Damaged pipes
Hot FOG’s can burn or melt sections of pipework if poured directly from a pan or roasting tin without time to cool sufficiently.
Environmental and community
Pouring fats and oils down your drains may actively contribute to costly problems such as fatbergs and lower quality local wastewater services.
Odours
As FOG residues build up within your drainage system, they may cause unpleasant smells and even unwanted pest issues.
Ready to talk safe oil disposal?
By following the advice above, you can lessen the likelihood of experiencing damage or blockages to your drainage system.
But if you notice clogging, your drains backing up, or unpleasant odours, help is available.
To discuss a CCTV drainage survey or any other drain maintenance issues, please contact a member of our team today.