GREENWOOD, Ind. – As the holiday season continues and you are cooking more often, Indiana American Water is providing several tips to keep your drain clean and free of FOG (fats, oils, and grease) clogs.
Neither dishwashing detergents nor garbage disposals can properly break down these materials, which build up over time. This buildup of grease can restrict the flow of wastewater, or worse yet, block the homeowners’ or utility’s sewer pipes.
Customers can reduce blockages by properly disposing of fats, oils, and grease and not trying to wash them down the drain.
Consumers can prevent FOG clogs by following these tips:
- Never pour grease into sinks, toilets, or down drains.
- Allow the grease to cool. Then use a rubber scraper to remove it and put it in the trash.
- Install baskets/strainers in the sink drain to catch food scraps and empty them into the garbage.
- Garbage disposals do not prevent grease from washing down the drain. Detergents that claim to dissolve grease may pass it down the line and cause problems in the wastewater system.
- Never flush baby wipes and paper towels down the toilet. They should be tossed in the trash.
