Drain troubles are, unfortunately, a common source of frustration for many homeowners. Clogged and slow-moving sinks, showers, and toilets can disrupt daily routines and even cause significant damage to your home’s plumbing system. When it comes to kitchen drains, in particular, a typical culprit is FOG – fats, oils, and grease. DrainMaster, the leading local expert in drain cleaning in Upper Arlington, OH, provides an overview of FOG and its negative impact on your drains.
What You Need to Know About FOG
In the context of plumbing, FOG refers to fats, oils, and grease that accumulate in pipes over time. These substances are byproducts of cooking and food preparation and are often the reason you’re dealing with a clogged drain that won’t budge. Common food items that contribute to FOG buildup include meat fats, cooking oil, butter, dairy products like milk and cheese, and even sauces like gravy and salad dressings.
Why FOG Does Not Belong in Your Drains
FOG may seem harmless since it appears in liquid form when warm, but the problem arises when it cools and solidifies. This solidified FOG sticks to the inside of your pipes, gradually building up and narrowing the pathway for water to flow through. As FOG continues to accumulate, it can eventually cause a complete blockage, requiring the help of your drain cleaning company to resolve.
Moreover, the effect of FOG is not only limited to your home’s internal plumbing system. When you pour fats, oils, and grease down the drain, they enter the city sewer system and can cause significant issues there as well. In larger quantities, FOGs can mix with other non-biodegradable materials in the sewer lines and form large blockages, causing sewage backups and overflows.
Prevention and Solutions
The city of Upper Arlington has a Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) Reduction Program in place to monitor and reduce the amount of FOG that enters the sanitary sewer system. Establishments that have grease interceptors and/or grease traps are to report to the City’s Public Service Department every January and July of each year, as per City Ordinance 931.16(A).
As a homeowner, you can prevent FOG buildup by implementing simple practices like wiping greasy dishes and pans with a paper towel before washing, disposing of oils and grease in a sealed container, as well as regularly scheduling professional drain cleaning services.
Our highly trained and experienced technicians at DrainMaster use proven methods like drain snaking and hydro jetting to keep your drains clear and functioning properly. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help with FOG-related drain issues in your home.
