Many people are unaware of the damage that pouring cooking grease down the drain can cause. While it may seem like a convenient way to dispose of excess grease, it can lead to serious consequences down the line. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at why pouring cooking grease down the drain is a bad idea and what you can do instead.
Why Is It Bad to Pour Cooking Grease Down the Drain?
Pouring cooking grease down the drain may seem like an easy solution, but it can result in severe problems over time. The most common problems that pouring cooking grease down the drain can lead to are:
- Clogging – One of the primary reasons why you should avoid pouring cooking grease down the drain is that it can clog your pipes. Grease tends to solidify when it cools down, and this can lead to blockages in your plumbing system. Over time, these blockages can grow larger and more severe, resulting in backups and potentially expensive repairs. To avoid this, make sure to dispose of grease properly, either by allowing it to solidify and throwing it in the trash or using a designated recycling location in your area.
- Damage to Your Plumbing – In addition to clogging drains, pouring cooking grease down the drain can also cause damage to your plumbing system. The grease can stick to the inside of your pipes, causing them to narrow and potentially break over time. This can result in leaks, which can damage your property and lead to costly repairs. Again, the best option is to avoid pouring grease down the drain altogether and instead look for alternate methods of disposal.
- Negative Impact on the Environment – When you pour cooking grease down the drain, you aren't just affecting your plumbing system, you're also impacting the environment. The grease can make its way into local water sources, causing harm to fish and other aquatic life. It can also contribute to the build-up of fatbergs, which are large masses of congealed grease, oil, and other waste products that can cause serious problems for sewer systems. By taking the time to dispose of grease properly, you're doing your part to protect the environment.
- Alternatives to Pouring Grease Down the Drain – If pouring cooking grease down the drain isn't an option, what can you do instead? One solution is to allow the grease to cool and solidify, and then dispose of it in the trash. Alternatively, you can try taking it to a recycling center in your area. Some recycling centers may take your grease and repurpose it into biodiesel or other products. You can also consider using paper towels to absorb excess grease and disposing of the paper towels in the trash.
By following the advice above regarding proper cooking grease disposal, you can help ensure your home's plumbing system continues to run smoothly and protect the environment.
Dealing with drain problems? Give Smith’s Plumbing Services a call at (901) 290-1110 or fill out our online contact form today.