Dining

Keeping cooking greases out of the kitchen sink can prevent clogged sewer pipes and expensive repairs

Cooking a turkey? Love gravy? This holiday season, and every day of the year, help keep Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) out of the public sewer system.

When grease is washed down the sink it cools and sticks to the insides of sewer pipes. Over time, the build-up can block pipes completely. Avoid this by never pouring fats, oils or grease down the sink or toilet. The result may save you from expensive repairs to fix a clogged sewer pipe or a raw sewage backup.

Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain

Put your grease in a container, let it harden, then dispose of it in your garbage can. If you have children or pets and hot grease may be dangerous, freeze the grease in the freezer and then toss in the garbage.

Cautionary tip: Garbage disposals don't help with oil and grease. Products such as detergents that claim to dissolve grease may pass it down the line and cause problems elsewhere.

Free Grease Kit

This do-it-yourself kit includes a grease scraper and a plastic lid that fits multiple-sized metal cans. Instructions in English and Spanish. Call 503-618-2100 to have a grease kit mailed while supplies last.