What’s Clogging Up Our Sewer Lines?

Kitchen Best Practices for Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)

Imagine it’s the end of a busy night at a bustling restaurant. The kitchen staff rinses pots, pans and food scraps down the sink. It seems harmless, but over time, these actions cause costly sewer backups and environmental damage.

The culprit? Fats, oils and grease — FOG. While this might sound like a commercial kitchen problem, residential drains contribute too. When FOG cools and hardens, it clogs pipes, disrupts wastewater services and pollutes waterways. Luckily, preventing these issues is simple. Here’s what you need to know.

FOG stands for fat, oil and grease left from cooking; image is bacon cooking in pan

What Is FOG and Why Does It Matter?

Think about all the fat, oil and grease left behind after cooking — a little bacon grease here, some frying oil there. It’s easy to rinse it all down the drain and forget about it. But what happens next? 

  • Clogs: Hardened grease narrows sewer pipes, eventually blocking them.
  • Sewer Backups: Blockages lead to costly overflows that damage homes and businesses.
  • Environmental Impact: Grease pollutes waterways, endangering wildlife and ecosystems.

FOG may start in your kitchen at home, but its impact ripples far beyond. Clogged sewer lines mean utility crews must intervene, raising maintenance costs that can affect utility rates. Businesses face even higher stakes with potential fines for water quality violations. Managing FOG is essential for protecting our infrastructure, environment and community.

How You Can Be Part of the FOG Solution

Grease can be stored in containers until full and then can be disposed as solid waste; image is grease being poured into metal grease container.

For Businesses: Keep Your Kitchen FOG-Free

Running a commercial kitchen comes with plenty of challenges, but managing FOG doesn’t have to be one of them. By following these best practices, you can protect your pipes and avoid costly repairs:

  • Train Staff: Teach proper grease disposal techniques and refresh training regularly. Most employees are more willing to support an effort if they understand its importance.
  • Install Drain Screens: Use screens with openings smaller than 3/16 inch to catch food particles before they enter the sewer system.
  • Post Signs: Display “No Grease” reminders near sinks to encourage good habits.
  • Recycle Grease: Use covered grease containers. Some recyclers will take food waste for animal feed (You could even be paid for your FOG!). In the absence of such recyclers, the food waste can be disposed as solid-waste in landfills by solid waste haulers. 
oil in pan after cooking
grease in pan after cooking

For Residents: Simple Steps at Home

FOG isn’t just a problem for businesses — residential kitchens contribute, too. Luckily, you can take a few easy steps to make a big difference:

  • Collect Cooking Grease: Pour cooking grease (yellow grease) into a sealed container and throw it in the trash.
  • Scrape Before Washing: Remove grease and food scraps from cookware before rinsing by scraping or dry-wiping. Then dispose of it in the trash. This means FOG will not be sent to the grease traps and interceptors, but instead goes to the landfill.
  • Avoid Hot Water: Never flush grease with water hotter than 140°F. Hot water may seem like a quick fix, but it dissolves grease, allowing it to flow further down pipes, passing through grease receptors before solidifying. This can create stubborn blockages deeper in the system.
  • Share These Tips: Make sure everyone in your household is aware of these critical tips — share them with your roommates, children or anyone using the kitchen. A little education can go a long way in keeping your pipes clear and your water flowing smoothly!

By adopting these steps, you can protect your pipes and reduce environmental harm.

FOG Cleanup & Maintenance Tips

grease trap being cleaned by person wearing orange kitchen gloves

Even with good practices, spills sometimes happen, and maintenance is a necessity! Stay ahead with these tips:

  • Clean Exhaust Systems: Regularly clean filters and hoods to prevent grease from escaping through the kitchen exhaust system, accumulating on the roof and eventually entering storm drains. Empty the waste into a drain connected to a grease interceptor or have the hoods professionally maintained. Note that the discharge of grease and oil to the storm drain system is a violation of water quality regulations and can degrade the quality of receiving streams!
  • Use Spill Kits: Keep kits stocked with absorbent pads or kitty litter for quick cleanup and disposal. Designate a key employee on each shift to monitor cleanup and restock the kits.
  • Service Grease Traps: Maintain traps regularly to keep them functioning effectively.
  • Avoid Overfilled Grease Containers: Prevent spills by using properly sealed containers.

Benefits of Proper FOG Management

Properly managing fat, oil and grease isn’t just good for your drains — it’s good for your wallet, your community and the environment. You’ll save money — avoiding costly repairs, and you may even be able to recycle grease for a potential profit! You’ll also prevent backups, keeping our sewer systems flowing smoothly. Plus you’ll protect the environment, preventing grease pollution and preserving Albemarle County’s waterways.

FOG might seem small, but managing it makes a big difference for your home, business and community. Start adopting these practices today to protect your pipes and Albemarle County’s sewer system. Visit the ACSA website for more tips and resources!

grease being poured through sifter to save and be disposed of as solid waste

FOG Quiz: Test Your Knowledge!

True or False: It’s safe to pour grease down the drain if mixed with hot water.

Answer: False. Grease hardens as it cools, causing clogs.

What’s the best way to clean a grease spill?
a) Wash it down the drain.
b) Use a spill kit and dispose of absorbent materials in the trash.

Answer: b) Use a spill kit to keep grease out of drains.

What temperature should you avoid using for water that flows into grease traps?
a) Above 140°F
b) Below 100°F

Answer: a) Water hotter than 140°F melts grease, which can later re-solidify and block pipes.

How often should kitchen exhaust filters and hoods be cleaned?
a) Only when they look dirty.
b) Routinely, to prevent grease buildup that can wash into storm drains.

Answer: b) Routine cleaning keeps grease from causing clogs and environmental harm.

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