Avoid plumbing problems during the holiday season
By Terasa M. Lott
Clemson University
Water Resources Agent
Cooperative Extension
It’s the time of year when many traditions revolve around food. After indulging in Thanksgiving, the eating marathon will continue through the New Year. My holiday baking list includes a variety of sweets like baklava, mince tarts, chocolate covered pretzels, and an assortment of cookies.
Most traditional holiday dishes, whether sweet or savory, tend to be not so healthy for us. Turns out they aren’t so healthy for our plumbing systems either, especially those containing fats, oils, or grease known as FOG. When allowed to go down the drain, FOG can cool and accumulate in pipes. This restricts flow and may result in a sewer backup. Experiencing a sewer backup with a house full of guests will surely spoil the festivities and drain your wallet.
You can easily prevent plumbing problems through proper disposal of FOG.
• Place meat and other greasy food items in the trash, even if you have a garbage disposal. On a side note, garbage disposals should NOT be used with a septic system.
• Pour liquid oil into a container and store for disposal or recycling where possible. Used cooking oil recycling is available for Darlington County residents.
• Wipe greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing. This might seem trivial but the amount of grease is significant when looked at over a period of time.
• Utilize a strainer in the kitchen sink for catching smaller food items rinsed from plates and utensils.
The Florence Darlington Stormwater Consortium’s FOG disposal campaign provides re-usable lids to residents of Florence and Darlington counties to encourage proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease. The lids fit a standard vegetable can which can be used to store oil or grease. When the container is full, the lid can be removed for re-use and the container placed in the trash for disposal. Lids may be picked up at the Clemson Extension office in Florence or Darlington County. For more information, call 843-661-4800 x113. Wishing you and yours a FOG-free holiday season!