Fat, Oil, Grease: 3 Things to Never Put Down the Drain

Fat, Oil, Grease: 3 Things to Never Put Down the Drain

Fats, oil, and grease, known as FOG, are a significant cause of many plumbing problems for homeowners. Many mistakenly rinse leftover FOG down the drain without knowing it will lead them to face blocked pipes, foul odors, and costly repairs. How can fat, oil, and grease cause these problems, how can we prevent them, and are there any signs indicating you may have a clogged pipe due to FOG? To help answer all these questions, we have prepared this guide for you. If you want to learn more about what can be done to prevent FOG damage, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing today.

How Can FOG Cause Plumbing Problems?

Fats, oil, and grease (FOG) are mistakenly washed down the drain. Inside the pipes, they quickly solidify and start building up in the system over time. Every time you rinse leftover FOG, you are more likely to cause greater buildup in the drains, which can then cause complete blockage. This results in costly water damage and plumbing repairs. Let’s learn more about what they can cause in the following section.

Signs That Show You Have A Blocked Drain

Slow-Draining Sink: If your sink drains slower than before, this is a good indicator of a blocked drain. In these situations, the homeowner mustn't leave the problem unaddressed, as this can cause complete blockage of the pipes. In such cases, you may observe water pooling in the sink, which may cause significant harm to the system.
Gurgling Noises: Gurgling noises are common to hear when air gets trapped in pipes. So, how does air get trapped? Blockage of pipes that disrupt the normal flow of water. Gurgling noises are usually the precursor to problems such as slow drains or complete blockages.
Unpleasant Smells: When organic compounds build up within a pipe and aren’t moving, they can decompose and release foul-smelling gases. This is a sign that there is a problem with the drain. Leaving this problem unaddressed isn’t a great way to fix it, as you may observe mold growth over time.

How To Prevent Drain Blockages Due To FOG

If you see any utensils covered in fat, rather than washing them with hot water, make sure to first clean them with paper towels. This will prevent grease buildup in your drains.
Skilled plumbers suggest grease trap devices to homeowners who face this problem. These traps prevent oil and grease from entering the drains and the sewer system while letting water pass through. Grease traps are a great and easy-to-use device that everyone can install to prevent their drains from blockage due to fat, oil, and grease buildup. If you want to learn more about grease traps, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing today.
Lastly, if you need to wash something with grease, fat, or oil on it, wash it with cold water. Many mistakenly wash these items with hot water, as it makes the cleaning process easy. However, cold water can harden these fats and allow them to pass through the pipes easily.
The above methods are just some ways to prevent drain blockages. If you already have a blocked drain due to FOG, call a professional plumbing service to have your clogged drain cleaning today.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing (Riverside, CA)

Are you looking for a local plumbing service to help with drain cleaning in Belltown, CA? At Mr. Rooter Plumbing (Riverside, CA), our expert plumbers have the tools and experience to handle any plumbing problem quickly and efficiently. With our affordable price plans, exceptional staff, and various services, you can rely on a plumbing contractor from Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Call us today to learn more about us and our services.