Pouring kitchen grease down the drain seems like the easiest way to get rid of it. But what might seem like a harmless thing can end up causing some serious plumbing problems that you’ll absolutely want to avoid. To that end, this broken sewer line repair company in Northfield, Illinois is going to explain why grease should never go down your drain.
The risks of pouring grease down the drain
You might think that grease and oils will smoothly flow down the drain — but that’s not what happens. Take bacon grease, for example. Solid at room temperature, bacon grease melts during cooking, and then it solidifies again when it cools.
Unfortunately, your drainpipes don’t stay warm enough to keep grease in a liquid state. This is a big problem because grease (even seemingly harmless olive oil) will harden and stick to the inside of your pipes once it cools. Over time, more and more grease builds up and completely blocks your pipes. If you are facing a situation like this, you should contact a broken sewer line repair company in Northfield, Illinois.
Keep in mind that when grease goes down the drain, it does not only stay in your pipes. It can travel into the local sewer system and cause even bigger problems. Grease mixes with other waste materials and forms fatbergs — these are solid chunks of fat that can block whole sections of the sewer system. Removing them is expensive and usually requires extensive and expensive repairs.
Grease can also be a risk to septic systems. Grease does not break down properly like other organic waste, which can cause buildups that can clog the system. The environmental impact is another concern, as grease can contaminate rivers, lakes, and the sea, damaging aquatic life and contaminating aquatic habitats.
So, how should you deal with leftover grease?
- Use a container – Pour warm grease into a metal can or glass jar. Let it sit until it cools and hardens. You can then throw it away with your regular trash.
- Soak it – If you have a small amount of grease, let it cool for a while, and then soak it up with some paper towels. Finally, throw those greasy paper towels in the trash.
- Reuse cooking oil – For oils like canola or vegetable oil, let them cool and then strain out any food particles. Store the clean oil in a container — you can then reuse it for frying or even making salad dressings later.
Doing these small things prevents grease from causing costly damage to your plumbing and the local sewer system.
What if you have already poured grease down the drain?
If you are reading this after the fact, there are still some things you can do to minimize the damage.
First, turn on hot water and run it down the drain for a while. This will keep the grease in a liquid state, which is when it is much easier to deal with. Next, squirt dish soap down the drain to break up the grease and wash it away.
You need to remember that a fix like this is only temporary. If you suspect a serious blockage, you should probably call a broken sewer line repair company in Northfield, Illinois to get your plumbing back to normal.
Looking for a Broken Sewer Line Repair Company in Northfield, Illinois?
Are you currently dealing with a sewer line problem? Hoping to ensure your sewer line remains in great shape by scheduling preventive maintenance? In either case, R Carrozza Plumbing Co is here to help. As the most trusted broken sewer line repair company in Northfield, Illinois, we can handle all your sewer line repair and maintenance needs. Contact us today at (847) 451-7040 to get started.