Rich ingredients prepared for tasty seasonal recipes can lead to frustrating sewer blockages if washed down the drain.
INDIANAPOLIS – Citizens Energy Group reminds Central Indiana residents that the incorrect disposal of foods prepared for the holiday season can unintentionally clog or fully block home plumbing and public sewer systems. While also certainly present in everyday foods, various varieties of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are readily found in Thanksgiving staples such as turkey, stuffing, and gravy, as well as in the preparation of desserts, casseroles, pastries, and other dishes commonly associated with the end-of-year holidays. When residents improperly dispose of FOG, these materials can collect within pipes and cause sewer backups.
During or after food preparation, FOG may improperly enter the sewer system—often in a liquid state—via drains or garbage disposals. However when these materials move through pipes in cooler places such as basements or under roadways, FOG can then solidify and attach to internal plumbing or public infrastructure, resulting in a blockage.
Customers can avoid disruptive sewer blockages caused by FOG using these methods:
- Pour fat, oils, or grease into a small container. Once it solidifies (chill if necessary), place the container in the garbage.
- Wipe grease off pots, pans, and dishes before washing them.
- For restaurants or other food preparation establishments, consider FOG as a recyclable. FOG can be sold to rendering companies for use in soaps, fertilizers, and animal feed.
In recent years, Citizens has annually responded to nearly 100 incidents of sewer backups directly caused by FOG. Depending on where they are located, blockages require costly and lengthy repairs for homeowners or for wastewater sewer crews. Citizens’ sewer maintenance teams must respond to FOG blockages in an aggressive manner, including the speedy removal of the blockage and an investigation into the source of origin. Blockages within internal plumbing can also be difficult and expensive for homeowners to address.
Separately, other chemicals such as non-cooking oils, oil-based paints, and solvents should similarly never be discarded via sewer lines or storm drains (some of which drain directly to waterways). Seek proper disposal of these materials (known as Household Hazardous Waste [HHW]) at various ToxDrop sites in Marion County or via the HHW Center in Hamilton County.
About Citizens Energy Group
Citizens Energy Group provides safe and reliable utility services to about 900,000 people in the Indianapolis area. Citizens operates its utilities for the benefit of customers and the community.
Media Contact Information
Ben Easley
Phone: 317-519-1515
Email: media@citizensenergygroup.com