Household FROG
FROG not only builds up throughout the sanitary sewer system, but within your home’s sanitary lateral as well. A sewer lateral is an underground pipe that connects a residence or business to the City’s sanitary sewer line. Lateral lines are only big enough to carry water, toilet paper, and human waste, often no wider than 4 inches. If your lateral becomes clogged with FROG, it is your responsibility as the property owner to maintain and/or repair it.
Simple Tips to Keep FOG Out of Your Pipes (and the Sewer!)
You can help stop clogs and backups by using the right disposal methods at home. Here are easy ways to prevent FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) from going down your drains:
· Don’t pour oil, grease, dressings, gravy, or sauces down the sink.
· Don’t wash grease down the drain with hot water and soap – it hardens in the pipes.
· Pour leftover cooking oil into a heat-safe, sealed container. To help it solidify, mix it with coffee grounds, cat litter, or paper towels. Once solid, throw it in the trash.
· Scrape food scraps into the trash. Don’t use garbage disposals – they let FOG into the sewer.
· Use a sink strainer to catch food bits. Empty it into the trash.
· Wipe up grease from pans, dishes, and spills with paper towels or newspaper.
Throw them away. Don’t use cloth towels—washing them sends grease into the sewer.
· Never flush things like diapers, wipes (even “flushable” ones), feminine products, paper towels, rags, garbage, plastic bags, or cigarette butts. Only flush toilet paper and human waste.
Household FROG FAQs:
What CAN I pour down the drain?
Only pour water, human waste, and toilet paper down the drain. The sewer can’t handle anything else
What about “flushable” wipes?
No. Even though they say “flushable,” these wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. They clog pipes and cause big problems. Always throw them in the trash. Don’t believe it – watch this video Flushable Wipes Are Causing Superknots in Sanitary Sewer Systems.
Why can’t I pour used cooking oil down the drain?
Oil and grease harden in pipes and cause backups in your home, streets, or storm drains. Pouring it down the drain can lead to costly messes and damage.
Can I use my garbage disposal, hot water, or detergent to wash the grease down the drain?
No. These methods don’t stop grease from clogging pipes.
- Garbage disposals don’t remove grease.
- Hot water only moves the grease farther before it hardens.
- Grease-dissolving soaps may cause clogs deeper in the system.
Can I dispose of cooking oil in the trash?
Yes, small amounts are okay – just put them in a sealed, unbreakable container. Don’t throw out large amounts. The container might leak.
How do I reduce the amount of FOG entering the sanitary sewer?
- Scrape food scraps into the trash.
- Wipe grease off pots and pans with paper towels before washing.
- Put small amounts of grease/oil in sealed containers and throw them away.
Additional Resources
More information can be found from the following sources:
Let’s Tackle the Grease in This Kitchen! (texas.gov)
¡Ataquemos a la Grasa en Esta Cocina! (GI-290) (texas.gov)
Toilets are Not Trashcans. Only Flush the 3 P’s
F.R.O.G. Video Series Provide by the City of Dallas
Fats, Oils and Grease Control Program Provided by Vallecitos Water District
Fats, Oils and Grease Explainer Video – YouTube Provided by the North Texas Council of Governments Environment & Development
Why Your Sink Disposal Isn’t a Garbage Can Provided by the North Texas Council of Governments Environment & Development
FOG (Fats, Oil and Grease) – YouTube Provided by Columbia County, Georgia
FOG – Fats, Oils and Greases – YouTube Provided by Regional District of Central Okanagan
Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable? Provided by Chemical and Engineering News (c&en)
Do Flushable Wipes Actually Dissolve? Provided by The Fit RV
Wipes Clog Pipes Demonstration Provided by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Fit2Flush Provided by Beaufort Jasper Water, Okatie, SC