As the holiday season approaches, the Board of Directors for Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 142 (“FBCMUD 142”) would like to remind residents about an important issue that can negatively impact our sewer systems: F.O.G. – fat, oil, and grease
While we all enjoy festive feasts and seasonal cooking, improper disposal of these substances can lead to serious and costly plumbing problems for our community.
What is F.O.G.?
Fat: Examples include peanut butter, shortening, meat trimmings, uncooked poultry skin, dairy such as milk, sour cream, and ice cream. All fats are solid at room temperature.
Oil: Includes vegetable oils, salad dressings, and cooking oils, which are typically liquid at room temperature.
Grease: Examples include gravy, mayonnaise, melted meat fat such as bacon grease, boiled poultry skin. Typically, these are liquid when cooking and then solidify once cooled.
How does F.O.G. affect my pipes?
When F.O.G. enters your drains, it accumulates over time, causing blockages that restrict the flow of wastewater from your home. This can lead to sewer pipes backing up, resulting in untreated sewage flowing into your home, business, and even the environment. If sewage does enter the environment, it leads to contaminated waterways, harming fish, wildlife, and human health. Raw sewage carries a variety of bacteria that are dangerous to people and ecosystems.
How to dispose of F.O.G. properly:
- Cool It Down: Allow Fat, oil, or grease to cool in the pan
- Small Amounts: Scrape small amounts into the trash cans using paper towels to wipe out any remaining grease. Wash Properly: Clean pots and pans in the sink as usual, but only after removing excess grease
- Large Amounts: Pour large quantities into a sealable can or bottle and dispose of it at a local recycling center
- Use Sink Stainers: Place strainers in your sink to catch food scraps and other solids
- Absorb and Dry: Use products like Oil-Dri Absorbent Clay® or cat litter can capture and dry out F.O.G. making it safe to dispose of in the trash
- Remember: Hot water and soap do not eliminate F.O.G. It will eventually reform in your pipes, causing clogs
Thanksgiving and Christmas are the two times of year when F.O.G. clogs pose the greatest challenges for Districts, largely due to the heavy cooking and frying turkeys that take place. As we celebrate the season with family and friends, let’s work together to keep our plumbing systems healthy and functional. By following these simple tips and spreading awareness about F.O.G., we can prevent costly repairs, safeguard our environment, and protect our vital infrastructure.
Did you find this article helpful? Your neighbors and friends might too. Spread the news via the share button at the top of this article to Facebook, X (Twitter) & Nextdoor!