Sewer overflows and backups can cause health hazards, damage home interiors, and threaten the environment. A common cause of overflows is sewer pipes blocked by grease. Grease is a byproduct of cooking from meat fats, lard, oils, shortening, butter, margarine, food scraps, baked goods, sauces, and dairy products.

Grease gets into the sewer when washed down the sink and sticks to the insides of the sewer pipes (both on your property and under the street), as well as from poorly maintained grease traps in restaurants and other businesses. Over time, the grease can build up and block entire portions of your home's plumbing system causing sewage overflow into your home or business.

You Can Help!

• Never pour grease or oils down sink drains or into toilets.
• Scrape grease and food scraps into a can or the trash for disposal (or recycling where available)
• Place baskets/strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids, and then empty them into the trash.
• Speak with your friends and neighbors about how to keep grease out of sewers.

Educational Resources:

Flush Flyer
Sewer Flyer
Sink Flyer
Pill Flyer

Fog Brochure

FOG Coloring Book