Is Pouring Grease Down the Drain Really That Bad? Here’s What You Need to Know

It might seem harmless to pour hot grease down your kitchen sink—after all, it’s a liquid at the time. But once it cools, grease solidifies, coating the inside of your pipes and leading to clogs, foul odors, and even costly backups. Over time, this habit can cause serious damage to your plumbing system and may even impact your entire neighborhood if it reaches the public sewer system.

Grease, oils, and fats don’t mix well with plumbing. When they enter your pipes, they begin to stick and build up, especially when mixed with food particles and soap scum. That buildup eventually restricts water flow and can result in full-on blockages, leading to slow drains or sewage backups into your home.

DIY Tip:
Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool and solidify in a heat-resistant container like a tin can or glass jar. Once it’s hardened, throw it in the trash. You can also wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before rinsing them to reduce the amount of residue going into your sink.

When to Call a Plumber:
If your sink is draining slowly, you smell unpleasant odors, or you’ve tried plunging and clearing the drain without success, it’s time to call a licensed plumber. At Lorenz Plumbing, we offer professional drain cleaning services that can remove grease buildup and restore proper water flow. We use safe, effective methods that protect your pipes while solving the problem.

Don’t let a small mistake become a major issue. Protect your plumbing by keeping grease out of your drains—and call Lorenz Plumbing when you need expert help.