Build-up of grease in sewer pipes is the top cause of costly sewage spills
Riverside, Calif. – With Thanksgiving kicking off this season’s plethora of holiday parties and get-togethers, Western Municipal Water District reminds customers to dispose of greasy scraps in the trash – not down the drain. Buildup of fat, oil and grease in sewer pipes is the number one cause of costly sewage spills and backups and can easily turn a memorable holiday gathering into a big mess.
Soaps, detergents and bleach only temporarily cut the grease, but fat, oil and grease eventually attach to the walls of sewer pipes and build up, leading to sewage spills. Other clogging culprits include tree and shrub roots, paper towels, feminine hygiene products and disposable wipes (even the flushable kind).
This holiday season, remember to only put water down the drain and dispose of fat, oil and grease properly:
• Scrape uneaten food and sauces into the trash before washing dishes or placing them in the dishwasher.
• Wipe cooking pan residue with a paper towel before washing and dispose of the greasy towel in the trash.
• Mix small amounts of fat, oil and grease with kitty litter, coffee grounds or paper towels before trashing.
• Dispose of fat, oil and grease into a plastic container.
• Dispose of used cooking oil for free at a household hazardous waste facility.
Homeowners are responsible for the sewer pipe from their homes to the street. Clogs in the pipe are costly to clear, especially during the holidays, weekends and after hours.
