The grease leftover in your pan may look unassuming, but if you’re pouring it down your drain, it can lead to big problems down the line. Grease buildup is a common, yet preventable cause of plumbing repair, as it can clog your pipes and lead to slow-draining sinks. To prevent this problem, learn more below.

Why You Shouldn’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

Grease is liquid at room temperature, but it hardens when it cools. This also happens in the sink, as the grease solidifies and adheres to the walls of your pipes. Over time, layers build on top of each other, forming thick gunk that sits inside your plumbing and slows the flow of water. Eventually, this can even cause plumbing issues in other areas of your home, such as slow-draining sinks, backed-up toilets, and even backups in adjacent water lines, such as your laundry or bath line.

How to Prevent a Future Problem

Whether you’re cooking bacon, deep-frying chicken, or making an oil-based salad dressing, be mindful of how you’re disposing of your grease. Businesses or establishments that produce and dispose of fats, oils, and grease, such as restaurants, should have grease traps installed in their plumbing systems to hold wastewater and food solids, so they end up in the trash rather than the plumbing system.

Homeowners can also take this concept to heart by disposing of fats, oils, and grease separately. For example, pour cooking grease into a heat-safe container and throw it in the trash when it’s cool. Also, use a paper towel to mop up leftover grease on plates, pans, and bowls before washing them, and scrape greasy foods off plates and into the trash. These preventative measures will go a long way toward preventing a plumbing issue.

If your plumbing isn’t working the way it should, contact the professionals at John Lockwood Plumbing in Ontario, NY. For over 40 years, this family-owned business has proudly provided effective plumbing repair for residential and commercial customers. To request an estimate today, call (585) 265-0736. To learn more about this company, visit them online.