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Keep Drains FOG Free

Keep Drains FOG Free

Dec 20, 2018 | 1:01 PM

The extra butter, shortening and gravy used on foods this time of year can add to the flavour, but they can also be hard on drain pipes and municipal sewer systems.

The City of Kelowna says the number one cause of sewer blockages and overflows are from cooking oil and grease being poured down drains or flushed in the toilet.

The city says fats, oils and grease (FOG) stick to the inside of sewer pipes and over time, can build up and block an entire pipe.

Residents and businesses can help prevent messy FOG-induced sewer backups and keep the waste water collection systems running smoothly by using the following practices:

· Never pour grease down sink drains;

· Put baskets/strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids, and empty them into the garbage;

· Scrape grease and food scraps into a can or other container or directly into the garbage for disposal; and

· Avoid putting household chemicals down the drain.