Avoid Costly Plumbing Repairs with These Smart Disposal Tips
Cooking with oils and fats can make meals delicious, but improper disposal can lead to major plumbing problems. Pouring grease and oil down the drain may seem convenient, but it can cause serious clogs in your pipes and sewer lines. At Diamond Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how grease buildup leads to costly plumbing issues in Ada, Oklahoma, and surrounding areas.
To protect your home’s plumbing system, follow these safe and effective methods for disposing of grease and oil properly.
Why You Should Never Pour Grease Down the Drain
Many homeowners don’t realize that grease does not stay in liquid form once it cools. When hot grease enters your plumbing system, it solidifies as it cools, sticking to the walls of your pipes. Over time, grease and oil can create stubborn blockages, leading to:
✅ Slow drains
✅ Backed-up sinks
✅ Expensive plumbing repairs
✅ Sewer system damage
Even if you rinse it down with hot water, grease eventually hardens and traps food particles, creating a sticky sludge that clogs pipes.
The Right Way to Dispose of Cooking Grease and Oil
Instead of pouring grease down the sink, try these plumber-approved disposal methods:
1. Let It Cool and Toss It
For small amounts of grease, follow these steps:
Let the grease cool completely.
Scrape it into a disposable container (like an empty can or jar).
Once full, toss it in the trash.
Pro Tip: Line a bowl with aluminum foil before pouring grease into it. Once the grease hardens, fold the foil and throw it away—no extra mess!
2. Reuse Cooking Oil
If you use a lot of oil for deep frying, don’t waste it! Strain and store it for reuse:
Let the oil cool.
Pour it through a fine strainer or cheesecloth into a clean container.
Store it in the fridge or a cool, dark place.
3. Mix with Absorbent Materials
If you don’t want to store grease in a jar, mix it with an absorbent material like:
✅ Used coffee grounds
✅ Cat litter
✅ Paper towels
Once the grease is absorbed, discard the material in your trash.
4. Check for Local Recycling Programs
Some cities offer grease recycling programs where you can drop off used cooking oil for conversion into biofuel. Check with your local waste management services in Ada, OK, to see if this option is available.
What to Do If You’ve Already Poured Grease Down the Drain
If you’ve accidentally poured grease down the sink, act fast to prevent a clog:
Flush with boiling water and dish soap – Pour hot (not boiling) water mixed with grease-cutting dish soap to help break down the grease.Use baking soda and vinegar – Pour ½ cup of baking soda followed by 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
Call a professional plumber – If your drains are slow or backing up, grease may have already caused buildup. A licensed plumber from Diamond Plumbing can clear your pipes and prevent further damage.
Keep Your Plumbing Safe—Trust Diamond Plumbing
Proper grease disposal is key to maintaining a healthy plumbing system and avoiding expensive repairs. If you suspect a grease clog or need drain cleaning, Diamond Plumbing is here to help!
📞 Call us today at 580.332.7668 or schedule service online at diamondplumbingok.com.
Serving Ada, OK & Surrounding Areas
Your trusted Ada plumbing experts for drain cleaning, pipe repairs, and kitchen plumbing solutions!
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