DFW Homeowners: Protect Your Plumbing by Preventing Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Buildup.
The Guide to Preventing Expensive Grease Blockages in Your Home.
Residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth area are advised to avoid a common mistake that can lead to expensive plumbing repairs: disposing of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) down the kitchen sink. While hot grease may seem easy to wash away, it solidifies as it cools in the pipes, leading to significant blockages that can disrupt your entire plumbing system. If you’ve noticed slow drainage, unpleasant odors, or unexpected flooding, FOG may be the cause. This guide aims to help homeowners effectively prevent issues related to FOG.
Understanding FOG
FOG comprises:
- Fats: Derived from bacon, beef, sausage, dairy products
- Oils: Including vegetable oil, canola, olive, etc.
- Grease: Residues from pans and plates
When these materials mix with food remnants or soap, they can adhere to the insides of plumbing and sewer lines. Over time, they create thick layers that hinder water flow and can lead to sewage backups, sometimes spilling into residential areas.
Consequences of Pouring Grease Down the Drain
When grease is disposed of in sinks, several problems can arise:
- Hot grease cools and solidifies inside the pipes.
- It can trap food particles, lint, and hair.
- Layers of grease accumulate, leading to slow drains and blockages.
- Increased pressure from these blockages may cause floods, backups, or overflows.
- Homeowners may face costs for plumbing services and have to deal with the resulting mess.
- It’s essential to dispose of grease to avoid these issues properly.
Five Preventative Measures for DFW Residents
- Allow grease to cool, then contain and dispose of it in the trash.
- Wipe excess grease from cookware before rinsing.
- Dispose of food scraps in the trash rather than rinsing them down the sink.
- Utilize a sink strainer.
- Perform monthly drain cleaning.
Significance of Proper FOG Disposal in DFW
Proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) is essential for maintaining the functionality of the interconnected sewer systems in Frisco, Arlington, Plano, Denton, Irving, and Fort Worth. Effective management of FOG helps prevent:
- Sewer overflows in residential areas.
- Grease blockages affecting neighboring properties.
- Expensive emergency plumbing interventions.
- Environmental damage to local lakes, rivers, and creeks.
DFW Home Grease Management Checklist
Routine practices include:
- Cooling and disposing of grease in cans.
- Wipe the pans before rinsing.
- Scraping plates into the trash.
- Monthly drain cleaning.
- Never pour grease down the sink, even with hot water or soap.
Warning: Potential FOG Accumulation
If you notice slow drainage, strange odors, or gurgling sounds from your sink, your drains may have a FOG buildup.
Reliable Plumbing Services in DFW
The Right Choice Heating & Air Inc. provides a wide range of services beyond HVAC, including drain cleaning, clog removal, and plumbing maintenance for homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We have helped many families resolve grease-related blockages and prevent future plumbing issues. Contact us for a complimentary drain inspection or to schedule a same-day service visit. Our goal is to keep your home free of clogs and operating efficiently.