Fats, Oils, and Grease : Their Impact On Your Sewer Line

June 25, 2024

A blocked sewer line has a negative impact on our environment and makes our surrounding areas unhygienic. Nothing disgusts us more than waking up to an unpleasant odor. Over time, if sewers are not cleaned and taken care of, they are clogged by various fats, oils, and grease.

Problems faced by fats, oils and grease

  • Clogged drains 
  • Slow flowing drains 
  • Overflowing sewage 
  • Health hazards

Effect On Sewer Line

Major impact on your sewer line

The increased release of fats, oils, and grease highly affects the workings of your sewer system. These oils and other elements harden over time if they're not treated in time, making it hard for the cleaners to remove the blockage.

Attracts pests like rats and cockroaches

Fats, oils and grease attract different kinds of pests including rats and cockroaches, because these pests find their food source in them.

Creates unpleasant odor 

Fats, oils and grease can release an unpleasant odor. These components can decompose and produce different types of gas. They are often smelly, stagnant and harmful for your health.

Corrode sewer pipes

Fats, oils and grease destroys the protective coating in the sewer, corroding the sewer pipes. This might lead to leaks and other major sewer problems.

Increase the risk of sewer backups

It can clog sewer lines and increase the risk to sewer backup and cause overflow. Wastewater can back up into your home. This can cause problems like water damage, contamination of sewer and health hazards.

Keeping Fat, Oil and Grease Out of Your Sewer Lines: Simple Strategies

Scrape, don't pour

Instead of pouring cooking oil down the drain, let it cool and solidify. Scrape it into a container and dispose of it with your regular trash.

Wipe greasy surfaces

Before washing dishes, wipe away excess grease and food scraps with a paper towel and dispose of them properly.

Invest in a grease trap

If you're a frequent fryer or cook with a lot of oil, consider installing a grease trap under your kitchen sink. This trap intercepts fat, oil and grease, before it enters the sewer system.

Spread the word

Educate your family and housemates about the dangers of fat, oil and grease and encourage them to adopt responsible disposal practices.

Professional Help For Sewer Line Issues

Treating your sewer lines and cleaning them is very important for safety and health purposes. Oils have a long life if used properly. We can strain the used oil after deep frying something and use it again at our convenience. The use of excessive dish soaps should be avoided as they gather fats, oils, and grease, allowing them to pass through a grease filter. It will eventually lead to hardening of the sewage. Being aware and conservative about the amount of oil used daily is a great precaution we can take. 


There’s no need to worry about these dirty sewer lines. Professional cleaners deal with clogged sewer lines. The professionals take care of hygiene and sanitation. Cleaning companies also work on maintenance contracts. Hire a reliable contractor if you want to ensure your sewer system is functioning optimally.

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