It is easy to pour fat down a drain accidentally. However, if you do, you need to act decisively to prevent clogging and potential long-term plumbing damage. Here are some top tips.
Why bother?
Fats, oils, and grease, or FOG, can be extremely damaging to drains and plumbing systems. Grease can solidify and cling to pipe walls, collecting floating debris and preventing a free flow of water. Foul odours can also be created.
Solid grease can increase pressure on pipe walls. This can even cause cracks and leaks in some cases, leading to the need for a CCTV drain survey Northampton, or wherever you happen to be. Pouring fat down a drain is also damaging to the environment.
Steps to take
If you pour fat down the drain, act immediately. That way, you won’t have to call for help from professionals such as wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/northampton/.
Don’t let any more fat get into the system, and flush with hot water. The water will need to run for at least several minutes to flush the pipes properly. Consider adding washing-up liquid to break down the grease.
Things to avoid
Think carefully before using harsh chemicals, as these can actually damage pipes. Drain cleaners may also not be the best choice when it comes to getting rid of clogging grease. You should also avoid cold water, as you don’t want to make the grease solidify even faster.
The most important thing to avoid is inaction. Don’t ignore what has happened – even if you can’t see the grease, it may still be creating problems.
Preventing future issues
Get into the habit of putting grease, oils and fats into a container that you can then put in the rubbish. Wipe down cookware to prevent excess grease in your sink or dishwasher, and use community grease collection facilities if they are available.
You may also want to have a grease trap installed. These capture grease before it gets into the pipes, helping prevent blockages, clogs and damage.