In 2021, it will cost you an average of $226 to unclog blocked drains and sewer systems in your home. That price can increase to $333, depending on the extent of the issue. Stubborn blockages in your pipes are often caused by grease that solidifies and acts as a sticky trap for gunk and debris. Let’s look at the effects of grease on your drains and methods to rid them of harmful substances.
What Exactly Happens When You Pour Grease on Your Drain?
Oil on your home’s drain can have detrimental effects on the drains and sewer system. These effects include:
- Blockage and plumbing issues: When hot, grease is fluid and highly viscous. However, when the temperatures lower, it will solidify and form clogs on the pipes. With time, the grease accumulates to cause blockages in your pipes and other costly plumbing issues
- Formation of fatty acids and glycerol: If by any chance grease doesn’t stick on your pipes, it will flow into the sewers. The oils will then combine with grease from other areas and break down into fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acids combine with calcium in sewers to form fatbergs. With rising sewer levels, the fatbergs will cling on sewer ceilings and clog the entire sewer system. This can result in a massive plumbing problem that affects thousands of residents within your locality.
How to Avoid the Effects of Grease on Your Drains and Sewer System
Proper disposal of oil and grease will prevent clogging and drainage problems caused by solidifying grease. But how can you dispose of oil and grease?
Cooking oil
Once you have used the cooking oil such a sunflower, avocado, coconut, or olive oil, let it cool down before you soak it up using a paper towel. Use a trash can to dispose of the greasy paper towel. However, if you are using substantial amounts of cooking oil, you can pour it on glass jars for reuse or safe disposal.
Grease
After using grease, wait for it cool down and solidify in the pan. Use an appropriate tool such as a spatula to scoop the grease from the pan and safely dispose of it in the trash can. You can soak up any remaining fat or oil in the pan using a paper towel. If you are using large quantities of greases, you can pour them into containers while still in liquid form. Once the container is full, dispose of it off safely.
Sewer and Drain Experts Serving the Pittsburgh, PA, Area
Grease clog in your pipes can trigger several plumbing issues. If you have a blocked drain, Mister Sewer Plumbing & Drain Experts is here to help. We have invested in top-notch equipment to get your problem resolved quickly. Our team of experts will evaluate your situation and provide you with an assessment of the problem and a proposed solution, including detailed pricing with an explanation.
For more information about sewer drain cleaning, video inspection, or sewer line repair, contact us today!