Can I Pour Grease Down the Drain?
Have you ever found yourself wondering what to do with the grease that you have left over from cooking a meal? Many people have different methods of disposing of the grease or even reusing it. One of the most common places that a person disposes of grease from cooking is usually the drain. Since grease is a liquid at certain temperatures, it may not occur to someone that I can solidify. We will talk about proper disposal of grease and answer your question: Is it ever okay to pour grease down the drain?
Why Does Grease Cause a Problem?
ER Pluming Services answer to the question is a resounding NO! Grease is considered a type of byproduct from cooking. Grease can be lard, butter, oil, meat fats, margarine and vegetable shortening (Crisco). Normally when they are rinsed down the drain, they are in liquid form, but when they hit the cool surfaces of your pipes, they solidify. Grease that solidifies in a pipe can eventually cause the pipe to become clogged and even catch small parts of food and can cause a big problem. If you use a commercial additive (something that claims to dissolve grease) you might push the grease down the line, causing problems in other areas. These areas might be raw sewage overflowing into the street or yard, rancid odor, or an expensive cleanup that may be the responsibility of the homeowner or business owner. Garbage disposals do not break up grease like they do with food.
Charlotte Plumbing Advice: What Should I Do with My Grease?
It is a good idea to place traps or strainers into your sink to catch pieces of solid food to dispose of in your trash can instead of down the drain. Liquid grease from frying or cooking meats (such as beef or bacon) should be disposed of in a container in the trash. Some like to place the grease in a disposable cup and place in the freezer first for a couple hours to avoid spillage of the grease in the trash can.
Help! I Poured Grease Down the Drain! Charlotte Plumbing Advice
If you have already put a fair amount of grease down your drain, do not panic. If you have a clog and you think it may be caused by grease, the best thing to do is call a professional. Before you do, you can try to heat about 2 gallons of water to a boil and then add ¼ to ½ cup of Dawn dish detergent and pour it down the drain. If your drain is still clogged, ER Services can assist you in clearing your drain and educate everyone on proper disposal of grease as well.
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Article Summary
Quick question & answer: Can I pour grease down the drain?
No, you cannot pour grease down the drain. Grease solidifies when it hits the cool surface of the pipes, eventually causing the pipes to clog. Place traps or strainers in your sink to catch pieces of solid food. Liquid grease should be disposed of in a container in the trash.
