Jul10

By Dave Bangar

The Danger of Dumping Grease Down Your Drains

At My Plumber Kelowna, we understand that cooking delicious home-cooked meals can produce excess grease. However, while these meals might be satisfying for your taste buds, the aftermath can lead to costly complications for your home’s plumbing. Here’s how you can prevent your Kelowna home from having clogged drains requiring professional drain snaking, or worse, a serious drain repair. 

How Grease Affects Your Drains

When you pour hot grease down the drain, it adheres to the interior of your pipes. Contrary to popular belief, running hot water down the drain doesn’t necessarily solve the problem. As the grease cools, it solidifies and clings to the pipe surfaces, gradually building up and narrowing the pipes. Over time, this can lead to significant blockages, causing water to back up creating an emergency plumbing situation. The costs associated with drain snaking, drain repair, or worse, replacing your drains, can be costly. Instead, dispose of grease in a jar or container, which can then be discarded in the trash. This simple act can help you avoid any grease related problems in your drainage pipes. 

Immediate Steps if Grease Goes Down the Drain

Accidentally pouring grease down the drain doesn’t immediately spell disaster, but it’s crucial to take action. Regularly flushing the drain with a quart of very hot water can help liquefy the grease and move it further down the pipes, preventing it from solidifying and causing blockages. For added effectiveness, you can pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. This not only helps break down the fats but also leaves your drain smelling fresher. 

Identifying Grease Clogs

Recognizing the early signs of a common grease clog can save you from needing professional drain repair. Key indicators include:

• Slow water drainage
• Gurgling sounds from the drain
• Unpleasant odors emanating from the drains

If you observe these symptoms and have been disposing grease down the sink, it’s likely that a grease clog is forming. Often, these clogs are a combination of grease and other debris, such as food particles or hair, which can accelerate the clogging process. Addressing these signs early can prevent a complete blockage.

Additional Tips for Drain Maintenance

Regular drain maintenance can extend the life of your plumbing system and prevent clogs. Here are some additional tips:

• Avoid Food Scraps: Use a sink strainer to catch food particles and prevent them from going down the drain.
• Run Cold Water: When using your garbage disposal (a.k.a. garburator), always run cold water to solidify any grease or fat, making it easier for the disposal to chop it up.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean your drains monthly using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a commercial drain cleaner to prevent buildup and keep them smelling fresh.
• Hot Water Flush: Once a week, flush your drains with hot water to help dissolve and move along any grease or soap scum that may have started to accumulate.
• Avoid Chemical Cleaners: Be cautious with chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes over time. Opt for natural or enzymatic cleaners when possible.
• Mind the Trees: Be aware of plant roots near your plumbing system, as they can infiltrate and block pipes. Ensure regular maintenance and inspections to manage root growth.
• Install Drain Guards: Use drain guards in all sinks, tubs, and showers to catch hair, soap scum, and other debris that could potentially cause clogs.
• Regular Professional Inspections: Schedule regular plumbing inspections with a professional plumber to ensure your plumbing system is in good condition and to catch potential issues before they become major problems.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can help maintain a clear and efficient drainage system, reducing the risk of clogs and costly repairs.

Learn More About Grease Disposal

For more information on how to properly dispose of grease and maintain your plumbing system, visit the Plumbing Services page on our My Plumber Kelowna website. Alternatively, if you’re in need of an emergency plumber, contact our team of experts to help you keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly.

By following these guidelines, you can protect your plumbing system from the avoidable effects of grease and costly drain repairs or replacement. Proper grease disposal and regular maintenance are key to ensuring your drains remain clear and functional. Protect your Kelowna home by managing grease disposal effectively and keeping your plumbing in top shape.