Keep Your Sewer Pipes Fat-Free!

Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) aren’t just bad for your arteries—they are bad for your sewer pipes too.

Keep your sewer pipes FOG-free and healthy! Buildup from FOG can lead to sewer blockages. FOG in pipes can also lead to sewage backups and overflows, which can damage your home and the environment.

If FOG is poured down the drain, it will stick to the sides of sewer pipes as it cools. Eventually, pipes may become blocked with FOG, preventing wastewater from flowing to the Roanoke Regional Water Pollution Control Plant, where the wastewater is treated.

To keep your plumbing healthy and prevent sewage overflows, follow these steps:

• Use a grease can. Never pour grease, cooking oil, melted butter or other fats down the drain or toilet. Instead, pour the FOG into a can. Store the can in the freezer until it is full, then throw it in the trash.
• Scrape dishes and pans before washing. Don’t put grease and food scraps down the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. Put a basket or strainer in sink drains to catch food scraps.
• If you have a restaurant, maintain grease traps and interceptors! Clean and inspect them monthly.

Water and sewer pipes on a homeowner’s property are the responsibility of the homeowner.

The Water Authority urges its customers to purchase a “Backup of Sewers and Drains” rider on their homeowner’s insurance policies.