From Frying Pan to Fatberg: Why Grease Doesn’t Belong Down Your Drain
It’s a familiar scene: Sunday roast done, pans cooling, and the temptation to rinse away the leftover grease. After all, it’s liquid, right? A quick splash of hot water and it’s gone. Or so we think.
But beneath the surface of your sink lies a slow-moving disaster. Washing grease down domestic drains is one of the most common—and costly—culprits behind household plumbing issues. Here’s what really happens when fats, oils, and grease (FOG) take the plunge.
The Science of Solidification
Grease is sneaky. While it flows freely when hot, it quickly cools and solidifies once it hits the cooler environment of your pipes. This sticky residue clings to pipe walls, narrowing the passage and trapping other debris like food particles, soap scum, and hair. Over time, this buildup becomes a full-blown blockage.
The Domino Effect
Slow drainage: Water starts pooling in sinks and tubs.
Unpleasant odours: Trapped waste begins to rot.
Backups and overflows: Pressure builds, and wastewater finds its way back up.
Structural damage: In severe cases, pipes can crack or burst, leading to water damage and expensive repairs.
Fatbergs: The Urban Menace
Grease doesn’t just stop at your home. Once it enters the sewer system, it mixes with non-biodegradable items like wet wipes and dental floss, forming massive blockages known as fatbergs. These dense, rock-like masses can clog entire sections of municipal infrastructure, costing cities millions to remove.
Prevention Is Simple
Let grease cool and dispose of it in the bin.
Wipe pans and plates with paper towels before washing.
Use sink strainers to catch food scraps.
Educate your household—small habits make a big difference.
Protect Your Pipes, Protect Your Home
Grease down the drain might seem harmless in the moment, but it’s a slow sabotage of your plumbing system. By changing how we dispose of kitchen waste, we not only protect our homes but also contribute to a healthier community infrastructure.
Our promise
At Drain Brains we offer simple, no-nonsense solutions to ensure all drainage problems are quickly dealt with. We monitor industry pricing constantly—and we’re proud to offer some of the most competitive rates in the region. Our quotations are fixed-price (barring major unforeseen issues), so you’ll know exactly what to expect. No surprises, just solutions.