You are done cooking and might think that it is harmless to rinse leftover grease or cooking oil down the drain with hot water. This common habit can lead to serious (and expensive) plumbing problems for your home. Understanding what happens to grease once it goes down the drain can save you time, money, and frustration, whether now or in the future.

It is important to note that:

  1. Grease Doesn’t Stay Liquid for Long
    When grease is hot, it’s in liquid form, which makes it easy to pour. However the grease does not stay liquid as it travels through your pipes and further down the drain line. The liquid begins to cool and turns into a solid which will potentially stick to the inside of your pipes. This layer continues to build up over time, eventually causing a narrowing of your pipe which restricts the water flow.
  2. Grease Clogs Do Not Go Away Easily
    Unlike other common clogs, grease clogs are not easy to remove. Typical drain cleaners will not loosen up the solid and most times it will require professional equipment to remove the clog. Left untreated, grease clogs can lead to slow drains, backups, and even complete pipe blockages.
  3. Grease Clogs May Cause Costly Repairs and Damage
    A severe grease buildup can cause pipes to burst or sewage to back up into your home or business.

What Should I do instead of pouring the grease down the drain?
Instead of pouring grease down the drain, try these quick and easy habits:

  • Let the grease cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash.
  • Pour the used oil into a container (like a can or jar) and throw it away once full.
  • Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing them.

Keeping grease out of your drain line will help to extend the life of your pipes, reduce your need for calling a plumber, and help your drain to run smoothly.
Your plumbing system is designed to handle water and waste—not grease. 

Just a reminder:
Pouring grease down the drain might seem convenient right now, but the long-term consequences aren’t worth it. A little extra effort now can prevent major headaches later.