Grease might seem harmless when it’s hot and liquid, but when it cools, it turns into a nightmare for your drains. Pouring grease down the drain after cooking is a common mistake many new homeowners make, often without realizing the long-term consequences. While it may feel convenient to dispose of grease this way, your drains definitely don’t appreciate it—and once you understand why, you won’t either. Let’s explore why grease is such a problem for your plumbing, the havoc it can wreak on your drains, and what you can do to avoid costly repairs for clogged drain Petaluma.
Why Grease Is the Enemy of Your Drains
When you pour grease down the drain, whether it’s from cooking oil, butter, or animal fat, it may appear harmless. However, as grease cools, it solidifies. This is the main issue. Even if you run hot water to wash it down, once the grease travels further into the pipes and cools, it starts to stick to the walls of your plumbing.
Grease in your drains can cause the following problems:
Blocked Drains
The first and most obvious problem caused by grease is a blocked drain. As grease accumulates in your pipes, it reduces water flow and eventually causes standing water in your sink. While you might be able to temporarily clear a minor clog with a plunger, grease-based blockages often return unless fully cleaned by a professional reputable plumbing contractor.
Foul Odors
As grease builds up in your pipes, food debris gets trapped in the sludge, decomposing and creating unpleasant smells. No amount of air freshener can completely mask the smell of decaying food lodged in your plumbing.
Costly Repairs
If left unchecked, grease buildup can cause severe damage to your plumbing system. You may need to replace sections of your pipe if the clog causes enough pressure to create leaks or even burst pipes. What started as a simple, avoidable mistake can lead to an expensive plumbing bill.
How to Prevent Grease from Damaging Your Drains
The good news is that there are plenty of effective tips for preventing this common plumbing issue, but it does require a change in habits. Here are a few tips:
Dispose of Grease Properly
Instead of pouring grease down the drain, pour it into a heat-resistant container (such as a jar or tin can) and let it cool. Once it solidifies, dispose of it in the trash.
Wipe Down Greasy Dishes
Before rinsing plates or pans in the sink, wipe them down with a paper towel to remove excess grease. This will significantly reduce the amount of grease entering your plumbing and limit the likelihood of requiring emergency plumbing services.
Use a Grease Trap
For those who cook with oils and fats regularly, installing a grease trap under your sink can help catch grease before it enters your home’s plumbing. While commonly used in restaurants, smaller versions are available for residential kitchens.
Professional Drain Cleaning – Yorkshire Plumbing
Have a clogged drain in Petaluma or the surrounding area? Contact Yorkshire Plumbing today or give us a call at (707) 492-9656 to schedule a professional drain cleaning service and protect your pipes from grease buildup.
