When fats, oils, and grease are introduced into the sewer, they are usually warm and free flowing. However, shortly thereafter, they cool and harden and adhere to the pipe wall. A FOG buildup will eventually cause a backup and cause stoppages or sanitary sewer overflows (SSO's). City ordinance requires Sugar Land restaurants to have grease traps to intercept, separate and contain their FOG discharges.
For the homeowner, there are relatively easy ways to avoid this potential problem. Below are simple steps, that would eliminate many time-consuming and costly sewer line repairs or blockages in your private lines:
- Fats, oils and grease should NEVER be poured down the sink. Sink drains and garbage disposals are not designed to properly handle these materials.
- Before washing, scrape and dry wipe pots, pans and dishes with paper towels and dispose of materials in the trash.
- Avoid relying on the garbage disposal to get rid of food scraps. The garbage disposal chops up food into small pieces, which can still cause a blockage in the pipe. Use sink strainers to catch food items, and then empty the strainer into the trash.