The Unseen Enemy: Why Fats, Oils & Grease Are Your Drains' Worst Nightmare

As drainage experts in Wigan, we are called out to deal with blocked drains on a daily basis. The cause is often something you might expect: wet wipes, tree roots, or foreign objects. But there is one culprit that is consistently responsible for the most stubborn and damaging blockages, and it’s something every home and business owner contributes to: fats, oils, and grease (FOG).

When you pour FOG down the sink, it might seem harmless. It’s liquid, so it flows easily. However, as it cools, it congeals and sticks to the inside of your drainpipes. Over time, these layers build up, narrowing the pipe and trapping other debris like food scraps and hair. Eventually, this creates a solid, rock-hard blockage that is almost impossible to clear with home remedies.

This isn’t just a simple inconvenience. A bad FOG blockage can lead to a number of serious problems.

• Slow Drains and Backups: The first sign is usually a slow-draining sink or a gurgling noise. If left untreated, the water will have nowhere to go and can back up into your sink, shower, or even your toilet, creating an unsanitary mess.

• Structural Damage: The constant pressure from a full, blocked drain can cause the pipes to crack, leading to leaks that can damage your home's foundation.

• Foul Odours: The trapped FOG and food waste decompose over time, releasing foul-smelling gases that can permeate your home.

The Professional Solution

Dealing with a FOG blockage requires more than a plunger or a bottle of chemical drain cleaner. These methods often provide only a temporary fix, as they can't break down the thick, greasy build-up. The best solution is to call a professional drainage company.

We use specialised tools like high-pressure water jetting to blast through the blockage, removing the congealed grease and leaving your pipes clean and clear. While we are happy to help, we believe that prevention is always better than a cure. The best practice is to simply never pour FOG down your sink. Instead, collect it in a container and dispose of it with your household waste.

For more information on drain maintenance or if you need professional help with a stubborn blockage, you can find a comprehensive guide on common issues and solutions by visiting a nationwide company like Drainage Experts.

Conclusion

A healthy drain system is a happy drain system. By being mindful of what you pour down your sink, you can prevent a major, costly, and messy problem down the line. Remember, while a simple blockage might seem like a small problem, the unseen enemy of FOG can cause serious and long-lasting damage.