We’ve all been there. You’re cooking up a storm in the kitchen and before you know it, you have a pan full of hot, greasy water. What do you do with it? Pour it down the drain, of course! But is that really the best thing to do?
There’s a lot of debate over what you can and cannot pour down your home’s drains. Some people are very careful about what goes down their drain, while others seem to think that anything goes.
So, what’s the verdict? Can you pour grease down the drain? Let’s find out.
Grease can harden and clog your pipes
It can be tempting to pour leftover grease down the drain – it’s easier than washing it out of a pot or pan, after all.
But here’s the thing: if you do this, you’re likely to end up with clogged pipes and a huge headache.
The cold water in your pipes helps to solidify any grease that has been poured into them, creating a thick coating along the inside of the pipe.
As the grease builds up over time, it narrows the inside of your pipes and reduces water flow, resulting in slow-moving drains and even complete blockages.
So if you want to keep your plumbing system running smoothly with no unexpected blockages, make sure you dispose of any excess grease in the trash instead of rinsing it down the sink!
It can attract other food particles and create a blockage
Grease is one of the main causes of blockages in a home’s plumbing system. As fat and grease cool, they solidify and begin to coagulate, forming a sticky paste-like substance that can easily adhere to other particles inside your pipes.
Grease can attract these food particles and eventually create a blockage if left unchecked. If you have ever seen an emptied kitchen sink pipe filled with thick congealed chunks of fat and debris, you know what happens when grease builds up over time.
That’s why it is so important to dispose of grease properly by allowing it to cool in reusable containers before throwing it away in the garbage. Grease can be dangerous, but taking a few simple steps will reduce the chances of buildup and keep your pipes running smoothly.
Over time, grease buildup can lead to pipe corrosion
In addition to clogging your pipes, pouring grease down the drain can also lead to corrosion in your plumbing system.
As grease builds up on the inside of your pipes, it can create an ideal environment for bacteria and other microorganisms. This can lead to biofilm buildup and eventually corrode the metal parts of your pipe.
Left unchecked, it can significantly reduce the lifespan of your plumbing system and even require costly repairs.
To keep your pipes healthy, make sure to scrape off excess oil or fat with a paper towel before washing dishes and avoid pouring cooking oil down the drain.
Prevention is always better than cure! With a few simple steps now, you can save yourself money – as well as stress – down the line.
Grease can cause bad odors in your home
Grease is one of those messes in the kitchen that can be extremely difficult to clean up. Not only is it sticky and hard to remove from surfaces, but it also has a way of permeating all areas of your home, leaving unpleasant odors lingering behind.
If you’re noticing bad odors stemming from grease, there are some steps you can take to help eliminate them.
First, try giving your area a thorough scrubbing with a grease-cutting chemical cleaner and an abrasive scrubber. Make sure to get deep into the seams and corners where the odor is most concentrated.
After cleaning, leave the windows open for a few hours to allow fresh air to circulate through your home.
You can also set out some baking soda containers which will adsorb any remaining smell left behind by the grease.
With just a few simple measures, you’ll be able to freshen up your cooking area and make it smell clean and inviting again!
However, you should not pour grease down the drain to avoid the issue in the first place.
It can be expensive to remove once it’s solidified in your pipes
It’s no fun dealing with a clogged drain, but it’s even worse when that clog is caused by grease. Grease might not seem like a big deal when it’s in liquid form, but if it’s not disposed of properly, over time it can lead to serious maintenance and repair issues.
Grease has a unique property – as it cools, it solidifies. And once it does, there’s not much you can do about it other than call in the pros.
This can get costly quickly as removing the hardened grease requires specialized tools and expertise.
The good news is that such incidents can be avoided with a few simple precautions. For instance, never pour hot oil down your drain – pour it into an empty container first instead.
Never rinse dishes or other items containing fat or oil down the drain either – wipe them off before placing them in the dishwasher or sink.
It might also be wise to check with your local waste management services to see if they accept cooking oils for disposal.
Pouring grease down the drain is illegal in some states
Grease can take many forms, and it’s important to remember that pouring any of them down the sink—rather than in a container such as a coffee can or an old yogurt tub—can be illegal.
Pouring grease down the drain doesn’t just potentially clog your sink; it can also cause major damage to wastewater treatment plants and other essential infrastructure.
Grease poured down the drain has been known to harden and block pipes, leading to costly repairs and significant water waste, not to mention causing unpleasant odors and attracting pests.
To avoid these issues some states have specifically made it unlawful to pour grease down the drain. Make sure you know your local regulations before disposing of grease, so you can do your part for the environment!
There are lots of ways you can get rid of grease responsibly: like pouring it into an old container or taking it straight outside as an excellent alternative to landfill disposal. On top of that, there are also several organizations dedicated to recycling used cooking oil and turning it into renewable energy sources like biodiesel fuel.
So rather than risk harm with improper disposal methods, consider putting your greasy leftovers to good use!
Conclusion
So, what can you do with your grease? You could pour it down the drain, but that’s not a good idea. It’s illegal in some states, and even if it weren’t, it would still be bad for your pipes.
Instead, you can collect it in a container and throw it away with the rest of your trash. Or better yet, find a local business that recycles cooking oil and take it there. Whatever you do, don’t pour grease down the drain!