What is FOG?
FOG is short for Fat, Oil & Grease which is commonly found in food, both animal and vegetable. Most folks associate FOG with meat products, but many other foods are also sources of FOG. Fish, butter, cooking oil, mayonnaise, gravies, sauces, vegetables and food scraps all contain FOG.
How does F.O.G. affect me?
If poured down the drain or into your garbage disposal, FOG can build up over time by sticking to your plumbing lines or the sewer lines. We know FOG plays a major role in sewer back-ups and can lead to expensive clean-up costs if the raw sewage finds its way into your home, business, or local waterways.
Homeowners and businesses may be held liable for ALL cleanup costs related to a sewer backup. Such costs can include damage to adjoining properties, parking lots, streets, and the cost to relieve and repair the sewer system.
Follow a few simple steps to prevent sewer backups:
- Pour cooled fats, oils and grease into a covered, disposable container and throw it into your garbage. Never pour fat, oil or grease down sink drains or toilets. COOL IT, CAN IT, & TRASH IT.
- Soak up remaining fat, oil and grease with a paper towel and dispose with your food and yard waste.
- Before you wash dishes, scrape food scraps from your plates, pots and pans into your compost or food and yard waste cart.
- Avoid using your garbage disposal. Use sink strainers to catch any remaining food waste while washing dishes.
- Perform regular sink drain maintenance by mixing one-half cup each of baking soda and white vinegar and pouring it down the drain. Wait 15 minutes, then flush thoroughly with very hot water. Do not use this method if a commercial product was recently used to remove a blockage.