We already know that grease, lard and fat aren’t good for our bodies, but they’re also very dangerous to your sewer system.

As you’re preparing holiday meals over the next few weeks, keep in mind what you pour down the drain. Hot grease may be liquid as you pour it down the drain, but it solidifies as it cools and will clog the drain, resulting in headaches and hefty repair bills.

If you suspect you might have a clog, look for:

• Slow water drainage
• Gurgling sound
• Foul odor

Pouring grease down the drain (along with other substances that shouldn’t be put in a drain) on multiple occasions will eventually result in a clog. We all know accidents happen; so, if grease does accumulate in your pipes, there are a few things you can do to “push it through”:

• Pour boiling water down the drain to liquefy the grease and help push it further down the pipes.
• Add a bit of baking soda and vinegar to help break down fat and give the drain a fresh smell.

The best method to protect your pipes is prevention – don’t pour grease down the drain. Let the grease stand in the pan until it cools off and solidifies, then wipe it out with a paper towel into your trash can. For large amounts of grease, consider pouring it into a leak-proof container to dispose of or take to a recycling center in/near your community.