At the end of a busy morning cooking breakfast, you might be tempted to dump bacon grease in the sink and be on your way. However, this seemingly insignificant choice can have a drastic effect on your plumbing system. Here’s why you should never pour your grease leftovers down the sink, what will happen if you do, and what to do instead.

What Happens When You Pour Bacon Grease Down the Sink?

Bacon grease starts as fat in the meat you’re cooking. Since its consistency may resemble murky water, you might not give it a second thought to pour it down the drain or garbage disposal—especially since the latter is capable of chopping up solids. 

While thin and watery when hot, bacon grease turns into a solid once it cools. The grease will solidify even faster in the cold metal pipes, forming a thick lining on the inside of your plumbing system and leading to potential clogs. If you continuously pour grease down the drain, it can stick to the existing grease clumps and grow bigger and harder over time. If the clumps become big enough, they can trap other solid waste that escapes from your plate to the drain, causing a large blockage. 

If large grease clumps go unnoticed, they can strain your pipes and cause them to bend or break. This can lead to unwanted leaks and costly pipe repairs. If you suspect your drains are clogged, call a plumbing service immediately. These professionals can clean your drain and prevent any further damage to your pipes. 

What Can I Do With It Instead?

So if you can’t pour it down the drain, what should you do with the leftover bacon grease? The best solution is to allow it to cool—or add cold water to the pan to speed up this process—and then gently pour it into a disposable, heat-resistant container. Once it’s cooled and solidified, you can safely throw it in the trash.

For more helpful plumbing advice, turn to The Plumbing Source in the Greater Cleveland area. They offer services from water heater repair to drain cleaning, so even if you do make a mistake, they can help you find your way to a lasting solution. To learn more about their sewer and drain cleaning services, visit the website, and call (877) 768-7239 to schedule an appointment.