The ABCs of FOG: Fats, Oils, and Grease in Your Sewer System
Here at TriCo Regional Sewer, we understand that maintaining a healthy and efficient sewer system is vital to the well-being of our communities. One common issue affecting sewer systems across the world is the improper disposal of fats, oils, and grease, collectively known as FOG. In this blog post, we will cover the ABCs of FOG: what it is, why it's a problem, and what you can do to help prevent it.
A: What Are Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)?
Fats
Fats are solid or semi-solid substances derived from animals or plants. Think of butter, meat scraps, and dairy products. Fats can congeal and solidify at room temperature, leading to blockages in your pipes.
Oils
Oils are liquid fats that come from plants, nuts, or fish. Common oils include olive oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil. While oils might not solidify like fats, they can still stick to the walls of pipes and cause problems over time.
Grease
Grease is a byproduct of cooking and can be found in items like fried foods and gravy. Grease tends to harden as it cools, creating stubborn blockages that are difficult to remove.
B: Why Is FOG a Problem?
Clogged Pipes
When fats, oils, and grease go down the drain, they can cool and solidify, forming blockages in pipes. This not only affects your household plumbing but also causes problems in the larger sewer system.
Environmental Impact
Blocked pipes can lead to overflows, contaminating our waterways and harming aquatic life. Additionally, the cost of cleaning up these messes is often borne by taxpayers, which can be a significant financial burden on local communities.
System Efficiency
FOG-related clogs reduce the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes. Slower moving water due to blockages can lead to sediment buildup, further exacerbating the problem.
C: What Can You Do to Help?
Proper Disposal
Instead of pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain, collect them in a container and dispose of them properly. Many communities have FOG recycling programs where you can drop off your collected waste. Stop by our office for further information.
Educate Others
Awareness is key in tackling the FOG issue. Spread the word about the importance of proper FOG disposal to your friends, family, and community members.
FOG is a problem that affects us all, from individual homeowners to large communities. By understanding the ABCs of FOG, we can take meaningful steps to combat the problem and maintain a healthy, efficient sewer system. At TriCo Regional Sewer, we are committed to serving our community by keeping our sewer systems clean and operational. Your cooperation is crucial in making this possible.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post. For more information on how you can help keep our sewer systems FOG-free, please visit our website or contact us directly.
Keep it clean, keep it green!
