As the holidays approach, Harris County MUD 167 wants to remind residents to be mindful of what goes down the drain. Fat, oil, and grease (often called F.O.G.) might seem harmless when warm, but once cooled, they can cause major plumbing and environmental problems.
Understanding F.O.G.
- Fats include items like peanut butter, shortening, meat trimmings, poultry skin, and dairy products such as milk, sour cream, or ice cream. These remain solid at room temperature.
- Oils such as vegetable oil, salad dressing, and cooking oil are liquid when used but can cling to pipes.
- Grease includes gravy, mayonnaise, bacon drippings, and melted meat fat. Though they start as liquids, they solidify after cooling and create blockages over time.
Why It Matters
When fat, oil, or grease goes down the drain, it can build up inside pipes. This accumulation restricts water flow, leading to backups that can push raw sewage into homes or leak into the environment. These overflows pollute waterways and pose health risks for people, fish, and wildlife and can also result in expensive repairs to both household plumbing and community infrastructure.
How to Dispose of F.O.G. Safely
- Let fats, oils, and grease cool in the pan before cleanup.
- For small amounts, wipe out residue with paper towels and toss it in the trash.
- For larger amounts, pour the cooled grease into a sealable container or bottle for disposal at a recycling center.
- Use sink strainers to catch food scraps and solids.
- Products like cat litter can help solidify grease, making it safe to discard.
- Running hot water and soap won’t eliminate grease buildup; it only delays the problem.
Let’s Keep Drains Clear
Thanksgiving and Christmas are the worst times of year for F.O.G. blockages because of all the holiday cooking and frying. Do your part this season by keeping fats, oils, and grease out of your drains. A few simple steps can prevent costly repairs, protect local waterways, and keep our community systems running smoothly. Encourage friends and neighbors to do the same by sharing this message.
Together we can build a cleaner, safer community.