City of Pataskala issued the following announcement on Nov. 26.
As another holiday season is upon us, gatherings with family and friends increase exponentially. At most, if not all, of these gatherings, there will be large amounts of delicious food to be shared and enjoyed by all. With all of that food preparation there will most likely be a significant amount of grease generated. Let’s take a minute to discuss the proper way to dispose of that grease.
Fats, oil and grease (FOG) can wreak havoc on a wastewater collections system. FOG’s will adhere to the sides of the wastewater collection lines, reducing the capacity available in the pipe. Furthermore, the buildup provides a surface for more FOG to collect, causing the problem to compound, eventually leading to a clog which can cause a sewage backup.
If the FOG does not adhere to the pipes, it will travel to one of the wastewater lift stations where pumps are used to move wastewater from one point in the system to another. At these lift stations, the FOG will build up inside the pumps causing them to become clogged. Once clogged, the Utility Department staff will need to remove the pumps so that they can be manually cleared and then returned to service.
This is not an issue that only affects the Utility Department. It is all too easy to dump FOG created while cooking that delicious holiday meal down the kitchen sink drain. The same things that happen from FOG in the public infrastructure described above can also occur in your privately owned plumbing. FOG can adhere to the sides of your drain and wastewater pipes, leading to backups inside your house. FOG in your drains can also lead to an unpleasant smell developing and escaping the pipes to enter the air in your home.
Whether FOG causes problems in the public infastructure or in your private plumbing, it will cost money to correct. The simple act of disposing of FOG in the garbage instead of down the drain can save you money, as well as reduce the maintenance costs experienced by the Utility Department.
We hope you enjoy the upcoming holiday season, and the feasts that come with it. Just remember that FOG goes in the trash, NOT down the drain.
We are happy to answer any questions at:
Utilities Department, 430 S Main St.
740-964-6275
Chris Sharrock
Utility Director
csharrock@ci.pataskala.oh.us
Original source can be found here.
Source: City of Pataskala
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