So you’ve just finished cooking something right and now you’re left with a pan full of hot, greasy oil. The easiest thing to do is to just tip the pan and pour it down the drain. Think again! It seems like a safe practice but it can lead to some serious plumbing nightmares. Grease might disappear from sight, but it doesn’t just vanish. Let’s talk about why pouring grease down the drain is a big no-no and what you can do instead!
Pouring Greece Down the Drain Explanation Video
The property owners won’t know I poured grease down the drain. Right? That’s something you don’t do bro. Basically, this is one thing you really don’t do especially when it’s hot dude, it’s going to cling to your damn pipes, and then they’re like oh I have a sink stoppage.
Well, there’s your problem. Trying to shove your snake down the drain when grease hardens up, and you are trying to run that cable, it’s like a frickin hit in a block wall. It’s hard. It’s super hard. So, that’s something that you really don’t do. And I see, I see this a lot, you know, and it’s one thing my lady might see and I tell her the time I’m at home and doing this, and I’m like stop doing that, you know. So I’m sitting there freaking running water and running water just to get that out of my pipes you know. After all of that, that’s the city’s problem, not mine.
Let it sit there, let it harden up, scrape it off your pan, throw it in the trash, you know, doesn’t take too much I mean, how long it can take for you to literally grab the pot, put it into the side, or leave it on the stove, let it get hard and crape that thing up and throw it away you know. That’s the one thing you do not do on this type of stuff, like that’s just no bueno, no good.
What Happens If You Pour Grease Down the Drain?
Clogs Your Pipes
If you pour grease down the drain in liquid form, it doesn’t stay that way for long. As it moves through your pipes, it cools down, hardens, and sticks to the walls of the pipes. When you pour more grease into the drain, the debris buildup and results in a nasty clog. At this time, only a plumber can get rid of it for you.
Damages Your Plumbing
Grease buildup doesn’t just cause clogs—it can also damage your plumbing. The more grease accumulates in your pipes, the more pressure it creates, which can lead to cracks and leaks in plumbing pipes. This is especially true in older pipes that are already more vulnerable to damage. Fixing these issues can be expensive, and in severe cases, it might require replacing sections of your plumbing.
Creates Foul Odors
As grease and other food particles build up in your pipes, they start decomposing and create bad smells that waft back up into your kitchen. These smells can be persistent and unpleasant and make your space less inviting. It can also be difficult for you to pinpoint the source of the odor once it’s embedded in your plumbing.
Causes Sewer Backups
The problems don’t stop at your property’s plumbing. When grease makes its way into the public sewer system, it can combine with other waste products to form large blockages known as “fatbergs.” These fatbergs can grow to enormous sizes that block sewer lines and cause backups into homes, streets, and even public spaces.
Dealing with this problem is a massive undertaking for city maintenance crews and can result in costly repairs. These costs are often passed on to taxpayers, which means that everyone in the community could end up paying for the consequences of poor disposal of grease.
Harms the Environment
When grease ends up in the sewer system, it doesn’t just disappear. Eventually, it can make its way into local water sources and may harm wildlife and pollute the environment. Grease also makes it harder for wastewater treatment facilities to clean water before it’s released back into rivers, lakes, or oceans. This can have long-term effects on local ecosystems and water quality.
Increases Risk of Pest Infestations
Grease buildup in your pipes can also attract pests, like roaches and rats, that are drawn to the food particles trapped there. These pests can enter your property through your plumbing and are difficult and expensive to get rid of. The presence of pests can also increase health risks, which makes your space less safe and sanitary.
Compromises Safety
If grease causes a severe clog or sewer backup, it can lead to serious safety issues in your property. For example, a sewage backup can flood your property with contaminated water, which requires professional cleaning and repairs. In extreme cases, sewer backups also cause structural damage to your property.
How to Get Rid of Cooking Grease?
- Allow the grease to cool completely in the pan or pot.
- Select a sturdy, airtight container. Old milk cartons, glass jars, or metal cans work well.
- Carefully pour the cooled grease into the container.
- For easier cleanup, line the container with parchment paper before pouring.
- Tightly seal the container to prevent leaks.
- Place the container in the trash.
Remember: Never fill the container to the brim. Leave some space to prevent spills. For small amounts of grease, you can use paper towels to soak it up before discarding. Some communities offer grease recycling programs. Check with your local waste management department.
Conclusion
So you now understand that grease and drain are like arch rivals. You just can’t pour it in there. If you do, you are asking for trouble that will be very heavy on your pocket. Why not live stress free and get rid of it the correct way?