We’ve all been there—you’ve just finished cooking a delicious meal, and you’re staring at a pan full of leftover bacon grease or cooking oil. It’s liquid now, so pouring it down the kitchen sink seems harmless, right?
Think again.
In the plumbing world, we have a name for this trio of troublemakers: F.O.G. (Fats, Oils, and Grease). While they might look like liquids when they’re hot, they are a ticking time bomb for your pipes.
What Exactly is F.O.G.?
F.O.G. refers to the byproducts of food preparation that solidify as they cool. Common culprits include:
Fats: Meat trimmings, lard, butter, and shortening.
Oils: Vegetable oil, canola oil, salad dressings, and mayonnaise.
Grease: Gravy, pan drippings, and dairy products.
Why You Should Never Pour F.O.G. Down the Drain
When F.O.G. enters your plumbing system, it doesn’t just wash away. As it travels through your pipes, it cools down and coats the interior walls, eventually hardening into a “fatberg.”
Over time, this buildup snags other debris—like food particles or “flushable” wipes—creating a rock-hard blockage. This leads to slow drains, foul odors, and eventually, a sewage backup into your home.
The “Garbage Disposal” Myth
A common misconception is that the garbage disposal can handle grease if you run hot water and soap. This is false. The disposal simply breaks the grease into smaller droplets, which still solidify further down the line. Hot water only pushes the problem deeper into your main sewer line, where it’s much more expensive to repair.
How to Properly Dispose of F.O.G.
Protect your home and the local sewer system by following these three simple steps:
Can It: Pour cooled oil and grease into a sturdy container, like an old coffee tin or a glass jar.
Scrape It: Before washing your dishes, use a rubber spatula or paper towel to scrape any remaining food scraps and grease into the trash.
Cool It: Once the container in your “grease jar” is full and solidified, toss it in the garbage.
When to Call a Professional
If your kitchen sink is draining slowly or you hear a “gurgling” sound when you run the water, you likely already have a F.O.G. buildup. Professional hydro-jetting is often the best way to clear these stubborn blockages and restore your pipes to like-new condition. Check our drain cleaning page for more immediate help