Have you ever been in the middle of cleaning up after dinner, tempted to pour that leftover cooking grease down the drain just to get rid of it quickly? Life is full of little tasks that seem harmless but can lead to much bigger issues if ignored or done improperly, and pouring grease down the drain is one of them. Many people assume the hot water will push the grease through, or that adding a little dish soap will do the trick. But the reality is, pouring grease, bacon fat, or cooking oil down the sink can lead to a slew of plumbing problems.
Let’s discuss why you can’t pour grease down the drain, what happens when you do, and the right way to dispose of it.
Why You Can’t Pour Grease Down the Drain
Grease, oils, and fats might seem harmless in their liquid form right after cooking, but these substances cool down and solidify as they pass through your plumbing. This process eventually clogs up drain pipes and wreaks havoc on your entire plumbing system. While hot water might give the illusion that the grease is flowing smoothly, it’s only a temporary fix that leads to bigger, costlier problems down the road.
The Science Behind Grease and Pipes
When you pour grease or oil down the drain, it starts to cool almost immediately, especially as it reaches the cooler sections of your pipes. As it cools, it begins to solidify, coating the walls of your drain pipes. Over time, this layer of grease builds up, sticking to anything else that washes down, like food particles and other debris, until it clogs the pipe completely. This problem isn’t just isolated to your home; it can affect entire sewer lines.
A grease-clogged pipe can lead to major plumbing problems and costly repairs if left untreated. Here’s a closer look at why you can’t pour grease down the drain and what happens when you do.
What Happens When You Pour Grease Down the Drain?
Pouring grease down the drain might save you a little hassle initially, but it’s a shortcut that leads to long-term headaches. Here’s what happens when that seemingly harmless liquid grease cools off and settles in your pipes:
Grease Solidifies and Causes Blockages
The biggest issue with pouring grease, bacon grease, or cooking oil down the sink is that it hardens as it cools. Once grease solidifies, it sticks to your pipe walls, creating a solid buildup that’s nearly impossible to remove without professional help.
Creates “Fatbergs” in Sewer Systems
You may have heard horror stories about “fatbergs” — giant, solid masses of grease and waste material that clog up city sewer lines. These fatbergs form when large amounts of grease from households and businesses mix with other debris, such as wipes and paper towels, in sewer lines. Over time, fatbergs can cause major backups and costly repairs for municipalities, which can eventually impact homeowners.
Increases the Likelihood of Plumbing Problems at Home
As the grease solidifies in your pipes, it reduces the amount of space for water to flow through, leading to slow drains and recurring clogs. The more often grease and oils go down the drain, the thicker the layer becomes, causing more frequent and more severe blockages. This can result in backed-up sinks, unpleasant odors, and, in some cases, damage to the pipes themselves.
Risk of Sewer Line Backups and Environmental Issues
What happens when you pour grease down the drain? Ultimately, it doesn’t just stay in your home. The grease that travels through the plumbing system can eventually reach your sewer system, where it mixes with other waste, creating a risk for serious blockages. Not only does this mean potential backups into your home, but it also causes environmental harm as untreated waste can end up in local water sources.
Common Myths About Grease Disposal
Now that you have a better understanding of what happens when you pour grease down the drain, it’s time to debunk some misconceptions about grease disposal. Many people have heard of shortcuts that seem to make grease disposal easier, but some of these myths can actually cause more harm than good. Here’s why these common tricks aren’t a solution:
Myth 1: Hot Water Will Wash the Grease Away
Running hot water after pouring grease might make it seem like it’s going down smoothly, but it only delays the problem. As mentioned, grease solidifies as it cools further down the pipes, eventually leading to clogs.
Myth 2: Dish Soap Breaks Down Grease in the Pipes
While dish soap can break down a small amount of grease, it’s not strong enough to eliminate the larger amounts that often accumulate. The soap dilutes as it travels, and the grease re-solidifies on the pipe walls, making the problem worse over time.
Myth 3: A Small Amount of Grease Is Fine
Even a little grease here and there adds up. Every time you pour a small amount of grease down your kitchen sink, you’re contributing to a layer of buildup in your plumbing. Eventually, this layer thickens, leading to blockages.
How to Properly Dispose of Grease
Although it’s helpful to know what happens when you pour grease down the drain, you may be wondering about proper disposal. The good news is that there are easy ways to get rid of grease without causing plumbing problems or harming the environment. Here’s how to handle it safely:
Let Grease Cool, Then Toss It in the Trash
After cooking, let the grease cool and solidify. Then, scrape it into a container, plastic bag, or onto a paper towel, and throw it away with your regular trash. This is one of the simplest ways to avoid pouring grease down your drain.
Use a Grease Can or Container
If you cook with grease often, you might want to keep an empty can or container by your stove specifically for storing grease. Once the container is full, seal it and dispose of it in the trash. This works well for leftover bacon grease and cooking oils, like olive oil and cooking grease, after you finish cooking.
Consider Recycling Used Oils
Some local waste management centers offer recycling programs for used cooking oils. This is a great option if you have large quantities of used oil or if you want to dispose of it responsibly. Just check with your city’s waste management service to see if oil recycling is an option in your area.
Clogged Sink? Call Our Plumbers in Tulsa, OK, Today!
If you’ve already poured grease down the drain and are noticing a slow drain, unpleasant smells, or recurring clogs, it might be time for a professional drain cleaning. Williams Plumbing & Drain offers drain cleaning in Tulsa, OK, and the surrounding areas.
Knowing why you can’t pour grease down the drain can help you protect your home’s plumbing and avoid costly repairs. But if you’re already dealing with stubborn clogs or slow drainage, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your plumbing services in Tulsa!