Can I Pour Grease Or Fat Down The Drain?

Do you often pour excess fat and grease down the drain after cooking? If so, stop immediately!

Many of us indulge in this behaviour for convenience while cleaning the kitchen. But the truth is that it is an unsafe practice that will ruin your drain pipes in the long run.

Drains are designed chiefly for wastewater removal. Hot grease and fat have a vastly different composition from water, so if you keep pouring them down the drain, you will inadvertently invite various plumbing issues into your household.

If you are wondering how that is possible, you should keep reading because that’s what we discussed in this brief guide. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Should You Pour Grease Or Fat Down The Drain?

No matter how convenient it may seem, you should never pour grease and oil down the kitchen drain. You should avoid doing this for all the drains in your household, not just the ones in your kitchen. This section has addressed why you should not do that, too.

We have already mentioned above that the chemical composition of grease, fats, and oils is vastly different from that of water. To explain this in more detail, we’ll have to delve a bit into the chemistry of these substances.

Grease and oils typically contain fatty acids, glycerol, and other complex organic compounds. These compounds are highly viscous, so oil and grease feel so sticky.

Because of their stickiness, they will settle along its inner walls if you pour them down the drain. Over time, the deposits will accumulate and block the passage of water through the drain.

That is not the only problem you have to worry about, though. In most cases, the water you use in your household contains dissolved substances such as calcium and magnesium. These react with the fatty acids present in the grease deposits to form waxy soap-like substances known as “ fatbergs.”

The fatbergs clog and corrode your pipes over time, proving a nuisance for your plumbing system. You will also often have to deal with problems such as gurgling drains, foul odours and overflowing water from your fixtures.

How To Remove Oil And Grease From Your Drain?

Understanding why grease clogs drains is crucial for maintaining a healthy sewer system. Despite the best intentions, you might occasionally pour fats or oils like canola or olive oil down the sink drain. If this happens, there are effective methods to clear the blockage and protect your plumbing.

Firstly, pouring boiling hot water down the drain can help dislodge and flush away the grease. A combination of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water is highly effective for more stubborn grease deposits. This mixture can break down the grease faster than hot water alone. Additionally, mechanical tools such as a drain snake, a pressurized hydro jet, or a simple plunger can be used to remove the clogs physically.

In future instances, to prevent too much oil from entering your drains, use a paper towel to wipe off grease from pans before washing them, or store the oil in an airtight container until it can be disposed of properly. If problems persist, contacting a professional plumbing service for assistance may be wise.

How To Safely Dispose Of Fats And Grease?

Disposing of cooking grease and oils properly is crucial to prevent plumbing issues. Pouring oil and grease down the drain is a definite no-go, as it can lead to clogs and other sewage problems. Instead, consider the following methods for safe disposal:

1. For leftover cooking grease that solidifies, allow it to cool and harden. Once cooled, scoop it into a sealable container and dispose of it in the trash as you would with other solid waste.
2. Liquid oils that do not solidify, like cooking grease from frying, should be poured into a reusable container. If the cooled oil is still usable, you can store it for future cooking needs. Otherwise, please take it to a local waste recycling site that accepts cooking oils, ensuring it doesn’t cause environmental damage.

Pouring Grease Or Fat Down The Drain

Remember that regular maintenance and proper disposal habits are key to keeping your kitchen drains clear and your home’s plumbing in top condition. Should you encounter severe blockages or recurring issues, it’s crucial to get professional assistance.

WP Plumbing is your go-to expert in Melbourne for all plumbing needs. Whether you’re dealing with fatbergs or need routine service, our team can handle any challenge. Don’t let plumbing problems disrupt your home— call WP Plumbing today and ensure your plumbing system is efficient and reliable.