Have you ever poured kitchen grease down the drain? If you have, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, this common mistake can lead to disaster for your plumbing system. Disposing of grease by dumping it down the drain can result in clogged pipes and the need for an emergency call to your local septic service.
However, there’s good news—several safe ways to dispose of kitchen grease to protect your drains, pipes, and septic tank. Grease and oil are inevitable byproducts of cooking, frying, and baking. While pouring these oils or scraping shortening remnants into the sink might seem convenient, it should be avoided.
Even a tiny amount of oil down the drain can accumulate and cause significant problems, potentially wreaking havoc on your septic system. Improper grease disposal can have severe consequences, especially for homes with a septic system, possibly leading to drain field clogs—a serious and expensive issue requiring a completely new drain field.
Therefore, you must learn to safely dispose of kitchen grease, particularly if you’re a septic system owner.
Why You Shouldn’t Dispose of Kitchen Grease Down the Drain
When you’re finished cooking, pouring that leftover kitchen grease down the sink might seem easy, but trust me, that’s not the best approach. Dumping grease down the drain is a bad move for oil disposal. It can mess up your pipes, leading to expensive repairs, and it might leave an oily mess in your septic tank.
Once that grease gets in the pipes, it becomes a hard, stubborn clog that causes major drainage issues. Getting rid of these clogs often needs a plumber and can cost much money. If you’ve got a septic system, it’s even worse—it could lead to blockages in your tank or drain field.
The grease doesn’t just sit at the bottom of your septic tank; it can sneak past and clog the filter, causing more trouble with draining water and waste. Picture your sinks and toilets backing up, or in serious cases, problems in the drain field.
Plus, that grease can even cause your septic tank to rust. It’s just a recipe for disaster.
Why is Grease harmful to your Septic Tank?
Grease might seem harmless as it’s washed down the drain, but it poses a significant challenge for your septic system. Once it enters your pipes, it becomes a stubborn obstruction, leading to persistent backups in sinks and toilets due to tough grease blockages.
Dealing with these backups isn’t just messy and can incur considerable repair expenses. But here’s the catch—grease doesn’t just stay confined to your tank; it can also infiltrate the drain field.
There, it coats the soil, disrupting its ability to properly filter wastewater. As a result, your drain field struggles to operate efficiently, potentially causing sewage to surface in your yard—a cleanup you want to avoid.
Moreover, grease isn’t conducive to the beneficial bacteria in your tank that breaks down waste. Once it infiltrates your septic system, these bacteria slow down, increasing sludge buildup. This requires more frequent septic tank pump-outs, consuming your time and money.
Disposing of Grease the Right Way
When disposing of excess grease, the proper method involves discarding it in the garbage. There are instances where you might consider reusing the grease for cooking purposes before discarding the entire batch. It’s a common practice among many home cooks to use a specific container for collecting and storing used oil.
To correctly dispose of grease, follow these steps:
- Allow the grease to cool down completely.
- Transfer the cooled grease to a disposable container. You can repurpose an old jar or any container with a lid if you plan to reuse it later. Alternatively, use a small container if you intend to discard it immediately.
- Place the container inside a plastic bag or a ziplock bag, ensuring it is secure without any holes to prevent oil, grease, or fat leaks.
- Lastly, Dispose of the bagged container with regular household waste or garbage.
Keep Your Septic System Healthy with Vi Reel Septic and Excavations!
Dispose of kitchen grease safely to prevent blockages and costly repairs. Trust us for expert septic installation, maintenance, and inspection services. Protect your home and environment – contact Vireel today.