Grease Went Down My Drain – Now What?

We've all been there. We're rushing to get dinner done when we accidentally pour the grease from our cooked veggies, bacon, or burgers down the drain. You know it's not the best thing to do, but sometimes accidents happen. Now that you’ve done it, what should you do next?

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Yavapai, Coconino and Maricopa Counties is here to answer that question and more! In this post, we'll discuss the next steps you should take, why grease and oils are so bad for our plumbing, and some ways to ensure you don’t.

I Put Leftover Grease Down My Drain – Now What?

If you have already sent grease down the drain, don't worry – all hope is not lost! Leftover oil, grease, and other fats should never go down your drain.

While it would certainly take a lot to cause a major build-up, the best thing to do is to act fast and run hot water down your drain, along with a pump or two of soap, and turn on the garbage disposal. You can even use boiling water for some extra reassurance.

This should help break down the grease and prevent it from clinging to your pipes. However, if you find yourself facing a clog or slow water flow, it's time to call in an expert!

Why is Grease so Harmful to Drains & Plumbing?

Grease from cooking should never be poured down the drain because they congeal in our pipes, creating a thick substance that can block or slow the water flow. This has several adverse effects, from clogged pipes to increased gunk build-up.

Clogged Drains Create More Problems

When the grease solidifies, it will start to stick and build up on the sides of your pipes, creating a bigger clog that can be harder to eliminate. This can lead to slow-moving drains, backups, and eventual flooding – among many other potential plumbing issues.

Clogged Drains Are as Dirty as They Are Annoying

Additionally, when coupled with other debris in the drains (like food scraps and soap residue) and bacteria, this grease can cause a nasty smell in your kitchen. The last thing you want is a clogged drain, plus unpleasant smells.

Clogged Drains Affect Your Local Water Source

Pouring grease and cooking oil down your drains poses significant danger beyond clogging. It has severe environmental impacts, too. When it enters local waterways from sewage systems, it can contaminate the water and harm birds, fish, and other animals. By responsibly disposing of your cooking fats, you can protect your home and the environment from damage.

Signs It's Time to Call on a Professional for Drain Clean

On the other hand, if grease, fat, and other oils have been building up in your drains for a while, you may notice some trouble. When this happens, it's time to call on the professionals for some proper drain cleaning.

Some signs to consider include:

• Slow or completely stopped-up drains
• Grease buildup on the surface of your water when sink in full
• Signs of sewage back-up in your bathtub, laundry room, or other drains
• Strange gurgling noises coming from the pipes
• Other plumbing problems, such as leaks or multiple clogged drains

While it's very unlikely that the grease you just put down your drain caused these major issues, it may have been the tipping point or one of the many contributing factors. But no matter the cause, getting professional help is important to avoid water damage, mold, and other hazards.

How to Properly Dispose of Oil & Cooking Grease

The best way to properly dispose of cooking grease is to pour it into a heat-resistant container (like a metal can), let it cool, then throw it away in the garbage. This will help keep your pipes clean and clog-free!

Here are some other tips to remember to prevent grease from going down your drain:

• Use a strainer to catch grease and food particles before they go down the drain.
• Rinse dishes and cookware with hot water before putting them in the dishwasher.
• Have your grease trap (if you have one) cleaned regularly by a professional.
• Get regular drain cleaning to help you stay on top of any grease build-up.

Be sure to also check out our blog on proper garbage disposal care to see what else should stay out of your sink. Plus, how to troubleshoot common problems related to your kitchen sink's drain!

Schedule a Drain Cleaning with Our Prescott Plumbers

While you do your best to care for your drains and prevent clogs, sometimes they still need professional help. And that's where Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Yavapai, Coconino and Maricopa Counties comes in.

Our experienced team of plumbers has the knowledge and skills to unclog your drains, no matter how big or small the problem is. We can also provide routine drain cleaning services to keep it clean and clear!

Schedule an appointment with us today and get a free estimate for your drain cleaning services in Prescott, Camp Verde, or beyond!