Fats, oils and grease (FOG)

Fats, oils and grease poured down the sink can cause blocked pipes and drains. 

When hot fats, oils and grease (FOG) enters 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 an owner of a Food Service Establishment, please visit our FOG business page for tips and advice. 

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:

The easiest way to dispose of FOG is to make a homemade gunk pot. It's easy and quick to make. Find out how to make yours here. 

• Scrape food scraps from plates and utensils into the bin.
• Dry wipe plates before washing them.
• Use sink strainers help to 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.