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Here’s What You Need to Know:
- Don’t pour fats, oils and grease (FOG) down the drain—cool it, can it, trash it.
- Flush only the 3 Ps: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper.
- Bad sewer habits can cause costly plumbing problems and harm the environment.
- Visit sd1.org/sewersmart for more tips.
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Avoid Plumbing Problems During the Holidays
The end of the year is a time for joy, delicious meals and festive gatherings. Whether you're celebrating the holidays or simply enjoying more indoor gatherings during the winter, it’s also one of the busiest times for clogged drains and sewer backups. Cooking large meals and hosting guests can increase the risk of fats, oils and grease (FOG) clogging pipes or non-flushable items causing plumbing issues.
Clogged drains aren’t just frustrating—they can be expensive to fix.
Worse, sewer overflows caused by poor habits can pollute waterways, harm wildlife and contaminate drinking water.
Here’s how to keep your winter festivities running smoothly:
Dispose of FOG in the Trash
FOG—found in cooking byproducts like gravy, sauces and meat drippings—solidifies as it cools. When poured down the drain, it sticks to pipes and builds up over time, causing blockages that can lead to backups. Cold weather during the season makes FOG solidify even faster.
Follow these simple steps to keep FOG out of your pipes:
- Let leftover FOG cool.
- Pour it into a container, like a jar or can.
- Throw the container in the trash.
- Wipe greasy pots, pans and dishes with a paper towel before washing, then toss the towel in the trash.
Even if you have a garbage disposal, your sink is not designed to handle FOG. Taking these steps helps keep your pipes flowing and prevents costly repairs.
Flush Only the 3 Ps
Guests may flush items like wipes, cotton balls or feminine products, which don’t break down like toilet paper. These can cause blockages in your plumbing or the sewer system. Make sure only pee, poop and toilet paper go down the toilet. Place a wastebasket in the bathroom for non-flushable items such as:
- Wipes (even if labeled “flushable”)
- Cotton swabs
- Diapers
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paper towels
- Tissues
Consider putting up a sign in your bathroom to remind guests to avoid flushing anything else.
If You Experience a Sewer Backup
If you encounter a sewer backup, SD1 is here to help. Call 859-578-7450, Option 1 to report an issue. SD1 is available 24/7, even during the holidays, to investigate and ensure the public sewer system is functioning properly. Keep in mind that you may need to contact a plumber if the issue is within your private plumbing.
Learn More
For additional tips on how to protect your home and the environment this holiday season, visit sd1.org/sewersmart. By adopting these simple habits, you can help avoid holiday headaches caused by plumbing problems and contribute to a healthier community.