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1. What is FOG?

FOG is the term commonly used to describe fats, oil, and grease in the sewer system.

2. How does FOG clog the sewer?

Sewage backups and overflows are sometimes the result of grease buildup, which can cause property damage, environmental problems, and other health hazards. Fats, oil, and grease (FOG) get into the sewers mainly from commercial food service establishments that do not have adequate FOG control measures in place such as grease interceptors.  When waste FOG is washed into the plumbing system, usually through kitchen sinks and floor drains, it sticks to the insides of plumbing pipes and city sewers. Over time, waste FOG builds up to such an extent that it eventually blocks the entire pipe causing sewage backups and overflows.

3. What can I do to prevent FOG in my drain at home?

Proper disposal practices include the following:

• Scrape or “dry wipe” food scraps from trays, plates, pots, pans, utensils, grills, and any other cooking surfaces into the trash prior to washing.
• Use absorbents, or other materials, such as towels, to pick up spills before mopping the floor.
• Use baskets or strainers in the sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids and dispose of them in the trash.
• Don’t pour FOG down kitchen sinks, floor drains, or toilets. Instead, properly store and then dispose FOG waste as refuse.
• Do not use chemicals and additives (including soaps and detergents) that claim to dissolve grease. Some simply pass grease down pipes where it can clog sewer lines in another area.