FOG

It is not what you might think.  Bet you did not know FOG is costing you millions of dollars.  It is the number one cause of sewer blockages.  That's right FOG is Fats, Oils, and Grease and this is the biggest season of the year for FOG!  FOG is clogging sewers and people erroneously believe that rinsing it down with really hot water or putting it down the garbage disposal adequately breaks up grease.  That is not true.  Here is a video some wastewater staff from Thames created to educate their citizens.

Things flushed or dumped down the drain are not out of sight or out of mind.

Instead this is what is typically found in municipal wastewater systems.  That liquid grease sent down the drain solidifies in the conveyance system.  Why is this a big deal?  Sewer pipes are sized to carry a certain flow of wastewater.  At best their carrying capacity is greatly reduced increasing the chance of back ups during high flow times.

At worst the blockage is complete and the wastewater has know where to go except back out the pipe and into the environment or your home.  Neither is a holiday experience you want to share with your family. 

What are you to do?  No one is suggesting you forgo Thanksgiving and holiday meals.  I am suggesting you use one or a combination of these options.

1) Wipe it - if we are only talking about a small mount of grease wipe the pan out with a disposable rag and throw it in the trash.  This will keep FOG from going down the drain when you clean the pan.

2) Scrape it - if there is more grease you can wait for it to cool and solidify and scrape it into the trash. 

3) Contain it - you can keep a coffee can or any container with a lid.  After cooking dispose of the grease in the container.  Place the lid allow the grease to cool and solidify and then dispose of it in a trash receptacle.

It may seem like more work and what difference will it make if it is just your FOG down the drain?  Like most things, making a difference starts with one person and builds.  Start protecting our sewers this holiday season then keep it going.  It will be the easiest New Year Resolution you ever made.