Last Update: 28 October 2025
Pouring excess fat and grease down the drain after cooking might seem convenient, but it's a practice that can lead to significant long-term plumbing issues. Drains are primarily designed for wastewater, and the chemical composition of hot grease and fat differs greatly from water, making them a common cause of household plumbing problems.
When poured down the drain, grease and oil settle on the inner walls, accumulating over time and blocking water flow. This can lead to issues like gurgling drains, foul odors, and overflowing fixtures. To prevent these problems, it's crucial to dispose of grease and fats properly. Instead of pouring them down the sink, allow them to cool and solidify before scooping them into a sealable container for trash disposal, or collect liquid oils in a reusable container for recycling or future use.
Do you often pour excess fat and grease down the drain after cooking? If so, stop immediately!
It’s tempting to pour grease down the sink for convenience when cleaning up, but it’s a practice that can spell long-term trouble for your drain pipes.
Drains are designed chiefly for wastewater removal. Hot grease and fat have a vastly different composition from water, so if you keep pouring them down the drain, you will inadvertently invite various plumbing issues into your household.
If you are wondering how that is possible, you should keep reading because that’s what we discussed in this brief guide. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Should You Pour Grease Or Fat Down The Drain?
No matter how convenient it may seem, you should never pour grease and oil down the kitchen drain . You should avoid doing this for all the drains in your household, not just the ones in your kitchen. This section has addressed why you should not do that, too.
As noted earlier, grease, fats, and oils have a very different makeup from water. Let’s take a closer look at their chemical properties to understand why they’re troublesome for drains.
Grease and oils typically contain fatty acids, glycerol, and other complex organic compounds. These compounds are highly viscous, so oil and grease feel so sticky.
Because of their stickiness, they will settle along its inner walls if you pour them down the drain. Over time, the deposits will accumulate and block the passage of water through the drain.
That is not the only problem you have to worry about, though. In most cases, the water you use in your household contains dissolved substances such as calcium and magnesium. These react with the fatty acids present in the grease deposits to form waxy soap-like substances known as “fatbergs.”
The fatbergs clog and corrode your pipes over time, proving a nuisance for your plumbing system. You will also often have to deal with problems such as gurgling drains, foul odours and overflowing water from your fixtures.
How To Remove Oil And Grease From Your Drain?
Knowing how grease affects your drains is essential for keeping your plumbing in good shape. Sometimes, even with the best intentions, you might accidentally pour oils like canola or olive down the sink. If it happens, don’t worry—there are ways to clear the blockage and safeguard your pipes.
Firstly, pouring boiling hot water down the drain can help dislodge and flush away the grease. A combination of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water is highly effective for more stubborn grease deposits. This mixture can break down the grease faster than hot water alone. Additionally, mechanical tools such as a drain snake, a pressurized hydro jet, or a simple plunger can be used to remove the clogs physically.
In future instances, to prevent too much oil from entering your drains, use a paper towel to wipe off grease from pans before washing them, or store the oil in an airtight container until it can be disposed of properly. If problems persist, contacting a professional plumbing service for assistance may be wise.
How To Safely Dispose Of Fats And Grease?
Properly disposing of cooking oils and grease is essential to avoid plumbing headaches. Pouring them down the drain isn’t an option as it leads to clogs. Instead, try these safe disposal methods:
- For leftover cooking grease that solidifies, allow it to cool and harden. Once cooled, scoop it into a sealable container and dispose of it in the trash as you would with other solid waste.
- Liquid oils that do not solidify, like cooking grease from frying, should be poured into a reusable container. If the cooled oil is still usable, you can store it for future cooking needs. Otherwise, please take it to a local waste recycling site that accepts cooking oils, ensuring it doesn’t cause environmental damage.
Pouring Grease Or Fat Down The Drain
Keep up with regular maintenance and good disposal habits to ensure your kitchen drains stay clear and your plumbing system remains in top shape. If you run into major blockages or persistent problems, getting expert help is important.
WP Plumbing is your go-to expert in Melbourne for all plumbing needs. Whether you’re dealing with fatbergs or need routine service, our team can handle any challenge. Don’t let plumbing problems disrupt your home—call WP Plumbing today and ensure your plumbing system is efficient and reliable.
Published by: Pascal Harb28 October 2025