Most of us rinse plates, pans, or bowls without thinking twice — but what goes down your kitchen sink can have a big impact on your plumbing and septic system.

Fat, oil, and grease (known as FOG) are among the biggest culprits behind clogged pipes, septic issues, unpleasant odours, and costly repairs. The tricky part? FOG often looks harmless when warm and liquid… but once it cools, it solidifies and sticks to the inside of your pipes.

To keep your drains flowing and your septic system healthy, here are 7 everyday foods and liquids you should never pour down the drain — and what to do instead.

7 Everyday Foods Causing FOG Build-Up

1. Bacon and Cooking Grease

When hot, bacon grease and cooking oils look like liquid — but once they cool, they thicken into a sticky, pipe-clogging sludge.

Instead:
Let grease cool and solidify, then scrape it into the garbage or store in a container to dispose of once full.

2. Butter, Margarine, and Shortening

These fatty products may spread easily on toast, but in your pipes, they act like glue — coating the inside of your plumbing and contributing to FOG build-up.

Instead:
Wipe excess off dishes into the trash before washing. Avoid rinsing melted butter or margarine down the drain.

3. Dairy Products (Milk, Cream, Yogurt, Cheese Sauces)

While dairy seems harmless, it breaks down into fatty acids that contribute to FOG and create foul odours in drains and septic systems.

Instead:
Dispose of expired dairy in the trash or compost where allowed. Wipe cheesy sauces and creams off dishes before washing.

4. Salad Dressings, Mayonnaise, and Sauces

Dressings, condiments, and creamy sauces often contain oil, eggs, or fats that cling to pipes and add to FOG accumulation.

Instead:
Scrape leftover sauces into the garbage. For oily dressings, soak up excess oil with a paper towel before washing containers.

5. Gravy, Meat Drippings, and Soups With Fat

Soups, broths, and gravies made from meat drippings contain animal fats that solidify as they cool — especially in cold drain lines.

Instead:
Chill liquid fats in the fridge first — the fat will solidify on top. Scoop and discard the grease layer before washing or reheating.

6. Cooking Oils (Olive Oil, Vegetable, Canola, Coconut)

No amount of hot water or dish soap can prevent oils from eventually solidifying in the plumbing system. They may move further down the pipe — but they will harden later.

Instead:
Pour used cooking oil into a jar or container, seal, and dispose of in the garbage. Some communities have used oil recycling programs — check locally.

7. Peanut Butter, Nut Butters, and Spreads

Thick and oily nut butters stick to everything — including your pipes. When washed down, they cling to drain walls and create a sticky base that other particles adhere to.

Instead:
Wipe jars and utensils with a paper towel to remove residue before washing.

Why These Simple Changes Matter 🌱

A little bit of grease here and there may seem insignificant, but over time, it builds up — leading to:

Slow drains and clogs

• Septic system strain and costly repairs
• Bad odours in sinks and kitchens
• Plumbing or septic backup emergencies

By making a few small changes in the kitchen, you can prevent FOG build-up before it starts, extend the life of your plumbing and septic system, and help protect the environment.

The good news? These habits are easy to implement — and once they become routine, your pipes (and wallet) will thank you.

📍 What To Do If You Already Have FOG Build-Up

If your drains are slow, smelly, or you suspect grease is accumulating, a biological treatment can help break down FOG safely and naturally.

Products like FOG (Fat, Oil and Grease) Reducer introduce beneficial microorganisms that digest fats, oils, and grease before they harden — helping restore flow and maintain a healthy system.

Tip: Add a biological treatment monthly for septic systems or high-use kitchens. 

Natural Septic Tank Additive (ESTT) is an effective choice as it is formulated to increase microbial populations and accelerate the natural (biological) process within your septic system and drain field. ESTT tank treatment:

• reduces frequent septic tank pumping
• extends drain field life
• improves drain field percolation
• prevents sewer line blockage
• keeps septic systems operating at optimum performance

ESTT will protect your septic system and keep it operating smoothly. Learn more about Natural Septic Tank Additive (ESTT) here.

Please contact us for more information on our earth-friendly products via email at info@earth-smart-solutions.com or call us at 1-866-444-7174. We'd love to hear from you!