Thanksgiving Kitchen Drain Tips for DFW Homes

Why grease causes trouble in kitchen drains

Turkey drippings, bacon fat, butter, gravy, and cooking oil may look harmless while warm, but they can cool and stick to pipe walls. Over time, grease catches food scraps and narrows the line. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and North Texas Municipal Water District advise keeping fats, oils, and grease out of drains; running hot water can carry grease farther before it cools.

Dispose of turkey fat and cooking oil safely

Let hot drippings cool in a safe place, then pour or scrape them into a sealable, disposable container. Put cooled grease in the trash, or check your city’s solid-waste guidance for local cooking-oil collection options. For oily pans, wipe away residue with a paper towel before washing. Do not pour grease into the sink and try to chase it with hot water or soap.

Scrape plates before using the sink

Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost bin where available. A sink strainer can catch bits that slip off plates, and wiping greasy cookware first keeps residue from washing into the drain. A garbage disposal grinds some food; it does not make grease disappear, so keep fats and oils out and follow the disposal manufacturer’s instructions.

Watch for signs of a developing clog

A sink that drains slowly, gurgles, or backs up during cleanup may have a blockage. If water is backing up, stop running the sink and disposal. If the problem continues, or more than one fixture is draining slowly, contact a licensed plumber to check whether the clog is in the kitchen branch or farther down the sewer line.

• Collect cooled grease in a sealable container.
• Wipe pans before washing.
• Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost.
• Use a sink strainer and follow disposal instructions.
• Stop using a backed-up drain and get help if it persists.