Why Cooking Oil Should Never Go Down the Drain

Many people dump cooking oil down the drain after cooking without putting much thought into it. However, cooking oil doesn’t simply get washed away when you pour it into your sink; it can actually cause damage not only to your drainage system, but your community’s sewer system as well.

Today, your trusted tankless water heater installer and repair expert, Oak Plumbing, discusses the true cost of dumping cooking oil down the drain.

What Really Happens

Oil from sinks goes through the pipes and then on into the sewer system, where it’s combined with the community’s wastewater. Various chemicals and grease from other homes are in this wastewater. 

The bond between fatty acids and calcium creates a soapy, waxy compound. This compound can stick to surfaces in the sewer and form a “fatberg”, which can grow to hundreds of tons in weight. In fact, a 130-ton fatberg was recently discovered in a British sewer system.

To avoid clogged pipes, never pour any kind of grease down the drain. Immediately contact your local plumbing inspection and repair expert, Oak Plumbing, if you suspect problems with your drainage system. 

Dispose of Grease Properly

The safest way to throw away cooking oil is to pour it into a sealable container and throw it in the trash. You can even reuse the bottle that the oil came in; just pour in the used oil, screw the lid on tightly and put it in the trash when full.

Some recycling plants convert used oil and grease into biofuels. You can call your local city offices to ask about this. Bigger businesses and restaurants fill up drums with used cooking oil, after which the drums are taken by waste management companies. 

Oak Plumbing is here for all your plumbing needs. Whether you need help with clogged drains or require a gas leak repair, our team is here to help. Call us at (707) 200-7594 or fill out our online form to schedule a free evaluation. We work with homeowners in Benicia, Sacramento, and Vacaville, CA.

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