Fat, Oil, Grease: 3 Things to Never Put Down the Drain

#1 - Bacon Grease

Who doesn’t love bacon? But once you’re done cooking, that leftover grease is not something you should toss into the sink. It might seem like a bit, but even small amounts can cause big problems over time.

When bacon grease cools, it becomes solid. That solid grease clings to the inside of your pipes like glue. And is there already some buildup from before? That little grease adds to the mess and worsens your clog.

Instead of pouring it down the drain, try pouring cooled bacon grease into an old jar or can. Once it’s full, throw it in the trash.

#2 - Cooking Oil

Cooking oils like vegetable, canola, or olive oil are another common cause of clogged drains. They might not turn solid like bacon grease, but they coat your pipes and trap other food particles.

Think of oil like a magnet—it pulls in other tiny bits of food and waste, making a big gooey lump inside your drain. This makes it harder for water to flow through and could lead to the need for clogged drain cleaning down the line.

A good rule? If it’s an oil you’d use to fry something, it doesn’t belong in the sink. Wipe out pans with paper towels and throw the towels in the trash before washing.

#3 - Butter and Margarine

Butter and margarine are sneaky. They look soft and creamy at room temperature, but like bacon grease, they harden in the cold. That means the second they hit your cold pipes, they’re already starting to form a clog.

Even melted butter poured from a saucepan can quickly become part of a nasty pipe-blocking mix. Before you know it, you’re calling Service Hero for help, not because you’re baking cookies.

To avoid this, scrape leftover butter into the trash or compost bin instead of rinsing it away.

What Happens When You Pour These Down the Drain?

Let’s break it down. When FOG goes down your kitchen sink:

• It hardens and sticks to the pipe walls
   
• It mixes with soap, hair, and food scraps
   
• It blocks the pipe and causes backups
   
• You’re left needing a plumbing repair service (and possibly a mop)
   

The worst part? These clogs can also cause damage far beyond your house. Grease buildup can block public sewer lines, leading to overflows that harm the environment.

How to Dispose of FOG the Right Way

It’s easier than you think! Here are a few simple swaps:

• Pour used oil or grease into a disposable container and toss it in the trash when full.
   
• Wipe down greasy pans with a paper towel before rinsing.
   
• Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost instead of using the garbage disposal.
   

Doing just a few things can protect your pipes and avoid calling a professional plumber every few months.

When It’s Too Late to DIY

Even when we’re careful, stuff can still go wrong. If you’ve already got slow drains, bubbling water, or a sink that smells like old fries, it might be time to bring in the pros. That’s when Service Hero can step in with expert plumbing repair service options to clear things up.

Their team handles stubborn clogs and can even offer advice to stop the same problem from happening again. Whether it’s a kitchen sink, shower drain, or main line, they’ve got the tools to get things flowing again.

Don’t Wait for a Backup!

If your sink drains slowly or gives off a weird odor, don’t wait until you’ve got a full-blown plumbing disaster. The longer you wait, the worse it gets—and the more expensive it gets.

Call Service Hero today for professional help with clogged drain cleaning, or talk to them about regular plumbing repair service to keep things in check. Protect your pipes, your home, and your peace of mind.