You already know that grease can be a major pain in your plumbing. If too much grease gets into your pipes, it can settle there and block the flow of the water. You’ll be dealing with backed-up sinks with stinky bits of food floating in the water. You may even be careful not to dump oil or grease into your sink. But the grease from your dishes can add up over time, settling into the drain and creating a clog.
Grease can do more than be a nuisance. It can actually damage your pipes. Here’s what you need to know:
How Grease Harms Plumbing
You may think that you can flush hot water down the drain, and it will melt and clear away the grease. But oil and grease are sticky things, and they are not flushed away that easily. You may get some of the oil out, but a lot of it will remain. Over time, it will build up and clog your drain.
Many people attempt to clear drains themselves by dumping chemical drain cleaners into the sink. Though these are marketed as safe for use, they really are not. The harsh chemicals can eat away at the pipes, weakening them and causing much bigger problems down the line. Attempting to use a plumbing snake or other implement without proper training can also result in damage to your plumbing.
Leaving a clog to sit and work itself out can also be damaging to your plumbing. The water backed up in the pipes can put a lot of pressure on the plumbing, and that can eventually lead to leaks. If you have a clog, you should contact a qualified plumber as quickly as you can to come and clear it. You can be sure that you have clear pipes and that no damage is being done in the process.
Avoiding Grease Clogs
The best thing you can do to keep your plumbing safe from grease is to avoid putting grease into the pipes. You may think that you’re already doing that, but you may be putting grease down your drain without even realizing it.
Many foods and condiments have oils in them that will contribute to a clog, including:
- Salad dressing
- Mayonnaise
- Dips and sauces
- Frosting
- Gravy
- Cheese
Washing any of these down the drain can contribute to grease clogs, as can putting any foods that contain these items into your garbage disposal. You should always put greasy food scraps or sauces into the garbage can or compost pile, as well as any meat scraps. Even small amounts of grease can add up to a problem over time, so keep any and all oil away from your pipes.
Properly Disposing of Grease
Unfortunately, grease is a bit tricky when it comes to disposal. You can’t just dump it in your yard because it will kill your grass and your plants. You can put food scraps in your trash can or compost, but you can’t do the same with large amounts of oil or grease.
If you are making bacon or frying something with small amounts of oil, you can pour the leftover into a glass jar or aluminum can. You can either reuse the grease for cooking later, or you can dispose of it at the proper facility when you have collected enough to make the trip worth it. You should do the same with any large quantities of oil, such as for when you are making fries or fried chicken.
You can’t keep grease out of your kitchen completely, but you should make an effort to keep it out of your drains. If you let grease accumulate, it can cause serious damage to your plumbing, resulting in costly repairs or even repiping.
If your system has been damaged in California, Integrity Repipe can help. Our highly skilled plumbers can either perform pipe repair, or they can repipe your entire home. The appropriate solution will depend on multiple factors, including the condition of your plumbing, the age, and the cause of the problem. Our experienced plumbers will let you know the solution that will have the best outcome for your home, both in the short and the long term. Call us today to speak with an experienced repipe specialist or to schedule a consultation.
Published by – Integrity Repipe Inc
Integrity Repipe Inc – Mission Viejo, CA
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