It’s not unusual for homeowners to rinse greasy pots and dishes in the kitchen sink. While the substance may flow smoothly down the drain, it may actually harm your pipes once it settles. From frequent drain cleaning to long-term damage, there are many issues that could arise. Here is what you should know.

Why It’s Wise to Avoid Rinsing Grease

Consider grease your drain’s greatest foe. The garbage disposal can’t break it down, and along with similar substances like oil and fat, it hardens when it cools down and settles inside the drain. After solidifying, it creates a sticky blockage that prevents water from rinsing at its normal pace. Over time, that clog could become larger until the pipe is completely blocked. Moreover, the slow-growing trap also acts as a magnet for other debris and bacteria, leading to harsh odors that emanate from the plumbing system.

Using a chemical drain cleaning product can be harmful both for your home’s atmosphere and for the condition of the pipes. The fumes can be strong and potentially irritating, and the chemicals designed to break down the blockage can slowly cause the surface of the pipes to wear down. That is especially true of aging plumbing systems, as already weakened enamel can break down faster. It’s best to have an emergency plumber tackle the problem using specialty equipment instead of risking your pipes.

How to Properly Dispose of the Substance

The good news is that there are much better options for grease disposal than sending it down the pipes and dealing with long-term drain cleaning woes. You can pour the liquid substance into a glass jar and put it in the fridge until it cools down and hardens. Then scoop away the grease into a plastic bag and toss it in the trash can. For best results, and to prevent any spills in the garbage, use two bags for extra protection. Another option is to pour it into a non-recyclable container, wait for it to harden, and toss it.

Some cooks like to reuse the grease when possible. If you plan to do that, pour the grease into a container that you can seal. You can leave it out if you plan to use it immediately, or place it in the refrigerator if you’re cooking later.
 

Don’t let a clogged drain due to grease, oils, or other substances slow you down. Turn to the professionals at Latour Plumbing LLC in Lafayette, LA. Proudly serving homeowners throughout the Broussard, Youngsville, Scott, and Carencro communities, these plumbers handle everything from drain cleaning to leak repairs. The locally owned company takes pride in providing you with quality service and getting the job done right each time. Visit them online to learn more or call (337) 291-0964 to schedule an appointment.