Pouring fats, oils and greases (FOG) down sink drains clogs sewer systems, builds up on pipe walls and restricts water flow.

Over time, they create blockages that can cause wastewater overflows into homes, streets and waterways. These FOG blockages, sometimes called a fatberg, pose a public health risk and are costly to repair.

Many people believe that if they run hot water while draining meat fat into their sink that it will keep it from sticking to pipes. This is not true! While it may help the grease to go down immediately, the water eventually cools and the grease hardens wherever it is in the pipes. This could occur in your household plumbing or further down the street in the wastewater pipelines.

Another culprit of FOG blockages are dairy products like milk, butter, creamy sauces and salad dressings that coagulate further down the pipeline. When added with food scraps from the garbage disposal and so-called “flushable” wipes from toilets, it’s easy to see why these blockages form and why they are so hard to clean up.

Learn more at Cease the Grease North Texas.