As a homeowner, you must know the various maintenance tasks necessary to keep your home in good shape. One such task includes taking care of your home's plumbing system. A common yet hazardous practice that many homeowners are guilty of is disposing of grease or oil down their drains. This seemingly harmless act can harm your plumbing system and the environment.

Why You Should Never Pour Grease or Oil Down Your Drain

The Dangers of Solidifying Grease

Grease and oil might seem innocent when they are in liquid form —however, their nature changes when they cool down. Grease and oils like bacon fat, butter, or lard can solidify at room temperature. When you pour them down your drain, they eventually cool down and transform into solid masses that can cause severe blockages in your plumbing system.

The Sticky Nature of Grease

Grease and oil are problematic not only because they solidify but also because they are inherently sticky. Even a tiny amount of grease can cause issues. Grease's sticky nature can trap other items in your drain, causing them to clump together. Over time, this can lead to a large lump of grease, old food, hair, or paper that completely blocks your drain.

The Environmental Impact

When grease or oil goes down your drain and into the sewer system, they can cause significant problems. These substances can mix with other chemicals and substances in the sewers, forming large solid masses known as "fatbergs." These fatbergs can block wastewater flow and lead to overflows and environmental contamination.

The Risk of Pipe Damage

The accumulation of grease and oil inside your pipes can cause them to corrode over time.This can weaken the pipes and increase the risk of leaks or burst pipes. Repairing or replacing damaged pipes can be a costly and time-consuming task.

The Solution: Proper Disposal and Regular Maintenance

Now that we have established the risks associated with pouring grease or oil down your drain let's look at the steps you can take to prevent these problems.