DON’T LET YOUR HOLIDAY MEAL CREATE A COSTLY SPILL

Handle cooking oil and grease carefully all year round, but especially this time of year

Editor’s note: This consumer advice provided by Otay Water District stikes an all-too-familiar chord, since our household once had drains back up after cooking up rich foods for a holiday party. Read below to learn how you can avoid this hassle.

December 9, 2009 (Otay) –‘Tis the season to enjoy excellent holiday food. For homeowners and wastewater operators alike, however, the holiday season can be a troubling time of year.

Potential trouble with household wastewater systems stems from pouring fat, oil and/or grease down the drain when cooking those holiday meals. Cooking oil is the number one cause of wastewater backups in homes, food service businesses, and public sewer systems. Once the grease cools and settles, it adheres to drains and sewer pipes like glue. As deposits buildup and harden, they can potentially create a serious blockage and cause a costly backup or sewer spill. For the homeowner, grease poured down the drain can result in a serious clog and an expensive repair bill that can spoil holiday festivities.

As the grease makes its way into the public wastewater collection system, there is trouble for public sewer agencies as well. The grease residue builds-up in the wastewater collection system clogging sewer pipes and damaging pump station equipment.

Here is a checklist of good practices to avoid spoiling your holiday season and help keep sewer costs and rates down:
 

• NEVER put grease down your sink drain, toilet or garbage disposal!
• NEVER discard oil in storm drains, creeks, or other water bodies.
• Place used grease and cooking oils in a safe container and store it in the refrigerator to solidify. An empty soup can works well for everyday cooking; however for larger holiday meals you may want to save a coffee can to hold the grease. Discard the container in your household garbage the same day.
• Meat fats such as drippings from chicken, turkey and beef, have the same impact on wastewater systems as cooking oil. Wipe excess grease from pots, pans, and utensils with a paper towel before washing.

Handle grease carefully all year round, but especially this time of year. Remember: Don’t Let Your Holiday Meal Create a Costly Spill!

The Otay Water District is a public agency distributing water to more than 195,000 customers within 125.5 square-miles of southeastern San Diego County, including the communities of Spring Valley, Jamul, La Presa, Rancho San Diego, eastern Chula Vista and Otay Mesa.