Fats, oils and grease (FOG)

Pouring fats, oils, and grease down the sink can block pipes.

When hot fats, oils and grease (FOG) enter the sewer it begins to cool and harden within the pipes. This builds up over time and can cause a sewer blockage, which can lead to a flood in, or around your home.  

If you're a food service establishment, visit our tips and advice on fats, oils and grease for business owners. 

What causes sink blockages?

FOG poured down the sink from food preparation, cooking, food waste and cleaning of dishes and cutlery cause sink blockages. These include meats, fats, dairy products, cooking oil, butter, gravy, sauces, salad dressings, starch water, baked goods, and lard. 

Pouring boiling water down the sink does not prevent blockages. It will cool and congeal further down the pipe and could cause problems to both you and your neighbours.

How to prevent sink blockages

Follow our useful tips to keep FOG out of your pipes:

• Make a homemade gunk pot - it's easy to make. Download the instructions below.
• Scrape food scraps from plates and utensils into the bin.
• Dry wipe plates before washing them.
• Use sink strainers to help keep food waste out of the drains.
• Compost vegetable peelings and used coffee grounds.

What to do if you have a blocked drain in, or on your property

If it’s a private drain, it is your responsibility to unblock it, but there are easy ways to do this. Unblocking liquids are available in supermarkets and using these regularly to clean your sink, toilet, shower and bath can help keep build-up at bay.