How to prevent grease from causing a sewer line clog?

 
Properly Dispose of Grease
 

• Always avoid pouring grease, oil, or fat down the kitchen sink. Hot grease can liquefy and seem to wash away, but as it cools in the pipes it solidifies and sticks to the interior, gradually building up a blockage.
• After cooking, allow grease to cool in the pan. Once it solidifies, scoop it into a disposable container, like an old jar or can, and seal it before discarding it with your regular trash.
• If you accumulate a significant amount of used cooking oils, consider recycling them if facilities are available in your area.

 
Wipe Off Excess Grease
 

• Before rinsing cookware in the sink, use a paper towel or cloth to remove excess grease from pots, pans, and dishes.
• This reduces the amount of oil entering your pipes and minimizes the risk of buildup over time.

 
Use Hot Water and Dish Soap Regularly
 

• Periodically flush your sink with hot water mixed with a mild dish soap that helps break down grease deposits.
• This practice can help dissolve small amounts of grease that might otherwise begin to solidify in your drain.
• Be consistent with this method to keep your pipes clearer and reduce the potential for clogs.

 
Install a Grease Trap or Strainer
 

• Consider installing a grease trap under your sink or using a sink strainer designed to catch food particles and grease before they enter the plumbing system.
• This extra barrier helps prevent fats and oils from making their way further down into the sewer line.
• Regularly empty and clean the strainer or grease trap to ensure its effectiveness.

 
Educate Household Members
 

• Make sure everyone in your household understands why it is important not to dispose of grease via the sink.
• Encourage practices such as wiping pots and pans with a paper towel and using disposable containers for greases.
• A well-informed household is more likely to adhere to proper kitchen maintenance practices that protect your plumbing.

 
Schedule Regular Maintenance
 

• Even with careful disposal of grease, some build-up might occur over time.
• Regular professional inspections and cleanings of your sewer line can catch minor issues before they escalate into serious clogs.
• This proactive maintenance can save you from costly repairs and potential damage down the line.

Understanding local plumbing conditions can be beneficial; for instance, practical experience from St. Louis and Nashville households has shown the value of regular drain care.