Why You Shouldn’t Put Grease Down Your Drains

When you’re in the middle of cooking, it can be tempting to want to take shortcuts, like pouring grease down the drain. However, this seemingly harmless action can lead to severe plumbing problems that can be costly and time-consuming to fix.

In this blog, the plumbing experts at Dean’s Home Services explain why grease should never go down your drains, provide ways to properly dispose of it, and cover other items you should avoid sending down the pipes.

How Grease Can Impact Your Drains

Grease may seem like a liquid when it’s hot, but as it cools, it solidifies. When you pour grease down your drain, it doesn’t simply wash away; it sticks to the inside of your pipes, hardening and accumulating over time. This buildup can lead to stubborn clogs that block water flow and cause backups in your sink or other areas of your home.

Beyond the inconvenience of a clogged drain, grease can also attract and adhere to other debris, creating a more significant blockage over time. In severe cases, these clogs can affect the entire plumbing system, leading to costly repairs and potential damage to your property. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of what goes down your drain to maintain the health of your plumbing system.

Ways To Properly Dispose of Grease

Rather than pouring grease down the drain, consider taking the following precautions to dispose of it properly:

• Use a container: After cooking, pour the grease into a heat-resistant container, like an old jar or can. Once it solidifies, you can dispose of the container in the trash.
• Wipe pans before washing: Before you wash pots and pans, use a paper towel to wipe away as much grease as possible. This simple step can prevent a significant amount of grease from entering your plumbing system.
• Reuse it: Some cooking grease, like bacon fat, can be reused in future recipes. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for later use.

By adopting these methods, you can prevent grease from causing major plumbing problems in your home.

What Else To Avoid Putting in Your Drains

While grease is one of the worst culprits, there are several other items you should avoid sending down the drain, including:

• Hair: Hair is notorious for causing clogs, especially in bathroom drains. Consider using a drain cover to catch hair before it goes down the drain.
• Coffee grounds: Even though they seem harmless, coffee grounds can accumulate in pipes and create blockages, so it’s best to throw them away.
• Eggshells: Eggshells can break down into tiny, sharp fragments that easily stick to other debris in your pipes, leading to clogs.
• Flour and dough: Flour and dough can form a sticky paste when mixed with water, which can adhere to your pipes and cause blockages.
• Medications: Flushing medications down the drain can harm the environment. Instead, dispose of them at a local pharmacy that offers a medication take-back program.

Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning With Dean’s

Even with the best practices, clogs can still occur. When they do, you need a reliable plumber to address the issue and keep your system in good shape. At Dean’s Home Services, we offer professional drain cleaning services that effectively clear clogs caused by grease, hair, and other debris. Our team uses advanced techniques and equipment to restore your drains to optimal condition, preventing future issues.

Don’t let clogged drains disrupt your day! Contact us to schedule an appointment for drain clog removal today.