Preventing fat, oil and grease from blocking drains

Drains can easily be blocked by the build-up of fats, oils and grease (FOG). Homes and businesses often have issues with drains becoming blocked because of fats and oils poured down sinks and drains.

At busy times of the year, it can be very tempting for staff to dispose of excess oils and fats into the drains, along with increases generated from all the extra washing up.

The last thing any food-producing business or restaurant needs is the hassle and additional cost of cleaning up from a drain blockage caused by fats, oils and grease.

How to stop fat from blocking drains

Keeping domestic and commercial kitchen drains clean and free from blockages is simple. Here are some helpful tips about the disposal of fats, oils, grease and food waste to keep your drains free-flowing over the Christmas period.

1. Even when hot oil is poured down the drain it can still block, as when it cools naturally it will harden and form lumps which can be difficult to move. Make sure anyone using the kitchen knows not to pour hot or cold fat, oil and grease into the sink or drain. Provide alternative options – bins that liquid can be drained into or paper towels for wiping excess oil from dishes. 
2. Locate services who recycling waste cooking oil and put in place processes to deal with excess oil in kitchens.
3. Consider whether it’s appropriate to install grease traps at your premises, allowing you to separate fats, oil and grease before it gets to your drain.
4. Strainers in sinks are an easy way to stop food rubbish from getting into your drains. Regular emptying into a bin will reduce the amount being washed into your drains.
5. Book a regular maintenance plan to get your drains cleaned ahead of busy times of the year. This will manage the costly build-ups of fat, oil and grease in your drains.

For emergency drain unblocking caused by fats, oils and grease (FOG) contact the team at County Drains 24/7 or to discuss a regular maintenance plan for the drains on your premises.

18 Dec 2017

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