A woman scrubbing a dirty, grease-covered pan in a kitchen sink.

Why You Shouldn't Pour Grease Down the Drain

Posted on | by Jamie Yocum

Cooking can be one of life’s simple pleasures. Who doesn’t love the aroma of sizzling bacon in the morning or the comfort of whipping up a hearty pasta dish for dinner? But if there’s one thing that puts a damper on the joy of cooking, it’s the cleanup. The pots, pans, and sticky stovetops are enough to make anyone dread the task. And let’s not forget the grease — what are you supposed to do with it? It might seem harmless to pour grease down the drain and let the hot water wash it away, but that choice can lead to some serious consequences for your plumbing and your wallet.

Let’s discuss why you shouldn’t pour grease down the drain and what you can do instead.

The Hidden Danger of Pouring Grease Down the Drain

When you’re cleaning up after a meal, it might seem convenient to pour grease, bacon fat, or other leftover cooking oils straight into the sink. The problem is that once that hot grease cools down, it solidifies. That harmless-looking liquid you poured down the drain transforms into a sticky, waxy mess that can clog drains, block pipes, and wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system.

Why Is Grease Bad for Pipes?

Grease, oil, and fats from cooking are notorious for sticking to the walls of pipes. As these substances harden, they collect food particles, other oil particles, and debris, which slows water flow and eventually creates dangerous buildup. This is why grease is bad for pipes — not only does it clog them, but it can also lead to extensive damage over time. Even if you think using hot water or dish soap will prevent clogs, it’s not enough to break down the grease completely.

When grease clogs drains, you might experience:

  • Slow-draining sinks
  • Foul odors from your kitchen sink
  • Backups in your plumbing system
  • Potential flooding from burst pipes

And it doesn’t stop there. If the grease makes its way into the city’s sewer system, it can cause environmental damage, leading to problems like sewer overflows and damaged sewer systems.

Why You Shouldn't Pour Grease Down the Drain: The Bigger Picture

Many homeowners don’t realize the chain reaction that starts when they dump leftover grease into the sink. It’s not just about your home’s pipes; grease can wreak havoc on municipal sewer systems, too.

If you have a septic system, it’s even more crucial to avoid pouring grease down the drain. Septic tanks aren’t designed to handle the fats, oils, and grease that come from cooking, and these substances can cause your system to fail. When septic tanks become clogged, it often leads to costly repairs and, in some cases, environmental hazards.

How to Dispose of Grease the Right Way

Now that we’ve established why grease is bad for pipes, let’s talk about how to dispose of grease properly. Here are some easy and eco-friendly options to get rid of excess oil without harming your plumbing:

Let Grease Cool and Solidify

One key reason why you shouldn't pour grease down the drain is that it hardens as it cools, leading to clogs in your pipes. After you finish cooking, allow the grease or cooking oil to cool completely. Once it solidifies, scrape it into a plastic bag, separate container, or airtight container and toss it in the trash can.

Use a Glass Jar or Disposable Container

For leftover grease or hot grease that hasn’t solidified yet, pour it into a glass jar or disposable container. Keep the jar sealed to prevent leaks and odors, and throw it away once it’s full.

Wipe Down Pans With Paper Towels

Before washing greasy pans, wipe out any remaining oil or grease with paper towels and throw them in the trash. This prevents even small amounts of grease from entering your sink drain.

Recycle Used Oils

In some areas, you can recycle used oils like cooking grease. Check with your local waste management service to see if this option is available in your community.

Avoid Pouring Cooking Oils Down the Drain

This might sound obvious, but it bears repeating: don’t pour oil, grease, or liquid cooking oils down the drain — ever. Even small amounts can contribute to block drains and plumbing problems over time.

Preventing Plumbing Problems in the Future

The best way to avoid grease-related issues is to change how you handle leftover grease. Develop a habit of disposing of cooking oils properly, and teach your family why it’s important. Remember, even small amounts of grease down the drain can add up to big problems over time.

If you’re already dealing with a grease clog or suspect other serious plumbing issues, reach out to G.F. Bowman for a sewer line inspection near Harrisburg. We can identify the problem before it gets worse.

What to Do If You Already Have a Grease Clog

Accidentally poured grease down the drain? Don’t panic. Grease clogs are common, but they require immediate attention to prevent further damage. Here are some steps to address the issue:

  • Try a Drain Cleaning Solution: There are enzyme-based drain cleaning products designed to break down grease and prevent dangerous buildup. Avoid chemical-based cleaners, as they can damage your pipes over time.
  • Use Hot Water and Dish Soap: Pour dish soap down the clogged drain and follow it with boiling water. The soap can help break down the grease, and the hot water will flush it away — at least temporarily.
  • Call a Professional Plumber: If your DIY efforts don’t work, it’s time to bring in the experts. At G.F. Bowman, our plumbers offer professional drain cleaning in Harrisburg, PA, and can effectively restore your home’s plumbing system to working order.

Don’t Let Grease Wreak Havoc on Your Home’s Plumbing

So, is grease bad for pipes? As you can see, the answer to this question is a resounding "yes." Grease makes cooking easier, but cleaning up can be tricky. Still, dumping leftover grease down the kitchen sink isn’t the answer. Knowing how to dispose of grease correctly can help you prevent clogs, protect your plumbing, and save you money on repairs.

If you’re dealing with stubborn clogs or suspect that grease buildup is causing plumbing problems, don’t wait until it’s too late. Now that you know why you shouldn't pour grease down the drain, contact G.F. Bowman today to schedule a professional drain cleaning! We're proud to offer reliable plumbing services in Harrisburg, PA, and the surrounding areas!