Nothing can spoil a jolly family get-together quicker than a sink that won’t drain or a toilet that won’t flush. Why do these things always seem to happen around the holidays?
It’s simple, really: With all the extra baking and cooking this time of year, there may be more fats, oils and grease going down your drains. When the grease hardens, it sticks to the inside of the pipes — much like cholesterol does to arteries.
Over time the pipes clog, causing a nasty (and costly) sewage backup in your home — not to mention ruining your holiday cheer.
The Oily Truth About Grease
Grease is more than just cooking oil or melted butter. It’s also in dairy products like milk and ice cream. That goo you pour out of canned goods when you open them? Full of grease. Peanut butter, fried foods, salad dressing, lard and shortening for baking, and even cake frosting all have grease.
If it contains fats of any kind, those fats will harden and clog your pipes. (And washing it down the garbage disposal with hot water won’t help either.)
Be a Holiday Hero and #CanTheGrease
So how should you dispose of grease? In the garbage can. Solids can be scraped right into a lined trash bin. Pour liquids into a resealable container and put it in the trash, too. Wipe any remaining grease from pots and pans with a paper towel.
SAWS performs routine maintenance on sewer lines citywide to keep things flowing. By following these tips, you too can help prevent expensive (and disgusting) sewage spills. Your neighbors and holiday guests will thank you.
