If you’ve ever whipped up an impressive breakfast, you were likely left with a pool of bacon or sausage grease and other oils. While it can be tempting to pour the byproduct down the drain to get to the meal quicker, doing so could seriously damage your plumbing and lead to extensive repairs. Here’s why you should never pour grease or oil into the sink and how you should dispose of it instead.

Why You Shouldn’t Pour Grease & Oil Down the Drain

How Grease Can Damage Your Plumbing

When hot grease is poured down a drain, it cools and hardens into a thick buildup. Your pipes will be completely blocked as more and more grease and oil are added to the clog, causing slow drains and reduced pipe flow. Also, sewage can back up into your home, carrying harmful bacteria with it and contaminating your kitchen and water sources.

How to Properly Dispose of Grease & Oil

Instead of pouring grease and oil down your drain, transfer the liquid into a different container and let it cool. Once the grease or oil is completely cool and hardened, place it into the garbage. Then, before washing the pan you cooked with, thoroughly wipe it down with a paper towel to remove any leftover traces of grease and oil. Washing pans and utensils without taking this step can slowly lead to a clog because of the residue. The steps take a bit more time and patience than simply pouring the substance down the drain, but avoiding the unnecessary plumbing repairs is well worth the effort.

If you have a plumbing problem, contact the team at John Lockwood Plumbing in Ontario, NY. With over 40 years of industry experience, these professionals are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, offering solutions for issues ranging from leaky faucets and clogged toilets to broken water lines. Request an estimate online or call (585) 265-0736 to speak with a representative about your home’s needs.