As convenient as it may seem to pour leftover cooking fat down the drain, this common habit can cause serious plumbing issues over time. At Response Plumbing, we’ve seen first hand how seemingly harmless actions can lead to a major blocked drain problem. Let’s dive into why cooking fat is a major culprit for blocked sinks and drains, and what you can do to dispose of it properly.
How Cooking Fat Clogs Your Drains
Cooking fats, oils, and grease (often referred to as FOG) are notorious for their ability to cause severe blockages in your plumbing system. When you pour hot fat or grease down the sink, it may seem like it flows away easily. However, as the fat cools down in your pipes, it solidifies, sticking to the walls of your drain. Over time, this builds up into thick, stubborn clogs that can completely block your pipes.
This is a common cause of blocked drains in Auckland homes, leading to costly repairs and the need for professional drain unblockers. Once the fat has congealed in your pipes, regular drain cleaning solutions from the supermarket are often not enough to fix the problem. You’ll likely need a professional plumber to resolve the issue.
The Impact of Fatbergs on Your Plumbing
Not only does fat and grease cause blockages in your home’s plumbing, but it can also lead to larger-scale problems in the public sewer system. Fatbergs—large masses of congealed fat, oil, and other non-biodegradable materials—are becoming a more frequent issue in Auckland’s sewage networks. These fatbergs can cause significant damage to local infrastructure and result in costly maintenance work.
When fats, oils, and grease mix with other waste products in the pipes, it forms a rock-like substance that can be extremely difficult to remove. The end result? A slow draining sink, or worse—a complete blockage that requires urgent attention from a plumber.
Proper Disposal Methods for Cooking Fat
To avoid a blocked sink or drain, it’s essential to dispose of cooking fat properly. Here are some eco-friendly and drain friendly methods:
Cool and Dispose in the Bin
Allow the fat or grease to cool down and solidify. Once solid, scrape it into a container (like an empty can) and dispose of it in the general waste bin.
Use Absorbent Materials
If the fat is in liquid form, pour it onto a paper towel or newspaper and then place it in the bin. This method helps to soak up excess grease and keeps it out of your plumbing system.
Recycle Where Possible
Some Auckland facilities accept used cooking oil and grease for recycling. Check your local guidelines to see if you can drop it off at a designated recycling station.
Signs You May Have a Blocked Drain
If cooking fat has already caused damage to your plumbing, you may notice some early warning signs that you need a plumber:
Slow draining water
If your sink, bath, or shower is draining slowly, fat buildup may be obstructing the flow of water.
Foul odours
Fat and grease trapped in your pipes can lead to unpleasant smells emanating from your drains.
Gurgling sounds
If you hear unusual noises when water drains, it could indicate air trapped in your pipes due to a blockage.
When these issues arise, it’s time to call a professional drain unblocker to assess and fix the problem before it escalates.
Call Response Plumbing for Expert Drain Unblocking Services
If you’re experiencing a blocked drain in Auckland, Response Plumbing is here to help. We provide fast, efficient drain unblocking services for residential and commercial properties. Whether it’s a blocked sink, toilet, or outdoor drain, our team of skilled plumbers is equipped with the latest tools to get your plumbing flowing smoothly again.
