Protect Your Pipes From FOG When Cooking for the Holidays

Published on December 22, 2025

As you start your holiday cooking this week be sure to keep fats, oils and grease (FOG) out of your drain. 

FOG comes from meat fats in food scraps, cooking oil, butter, gravy, salad dressing and other fats. 

FOG poured down kitchen drains accumulates inside sewer pipes and begins to solidify as it builds up inside the pipes. This restricts the flow and can cause untreated wastewater to back up into homes and businesses. It can also cause manholes to overflow. 

Here are some easy solutions:

• Wipe pots, pans and dishes with a paper towel before washing them. 
• Can the grease! Pour cooking oil, pan drippings, bacon grease, salad dressing or sauces in a can or jar to reuse or throw in the trash.
• Rinse dishes and pans in cold water. Hot water melts the FOG, allowing it to flow into the sewer pipes.

These actions will protect your home's pipes and prevent sewer backups and plumbing emergencies.