The Hidden Dangers of Pouring Grease Down Your Sink
What Causes Drain Blockages?
Over time, substances like grease, soap, fats, and detergents build up inside your drains. These materials cling to pipe walls, reduce water flow, and eventually cause complete blockages. This can lead to slow drainage, foul odours, and even potential pipe damage.
How to Prevent Cooking Oils from Going Into Your Drains
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Wipe Before Washing
After cooking, use paper towels to wipe down greasy pans, plates, and utensils before rinsing them in the sink. This removes most of the oil before it can enter your plumbing. -
Use a Grease Container
Pour leftover cooking oil into a heat-resistant, sealable container (like an old jar or tin). Once it’s full, seal it and dispose of it in your household rubbish or at a local recycling facility if available. -
Install a Sink Strainer
A mesh strainer or sink basket helps catch food scraps and oily residues before they enter your drain. -
Scrape Food Waste Into the Bin
Before rinsing dishes, scrape all food waste — especially oily or greasy bits — into the compost or rubbish bin. -
Cool and Solidify Grease
Let fats like bacon grease or meat drippings cool and solidify, then scrape them into the bin. Never try to rinse hot oil down the sink — it may flow, but it will solidify and block pipes as it cools. -
Educate the Household
Make sure everyone in your home knows not to pour oils, fats, or greasy food remnants down the drain — it’s a small step that saves big plumbing costs later.
Why Hydro Jetting is the Best Fix
Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to completely clean your pipes. It doesn't just push the clog — it scrubs the pipe walls clean. It’s the most effective way to get rid of:
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Grease buildup
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Soap scum
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Fat deposits
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Detergent residue
Benefits of hydro jetting:
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✅ Deep cleaning of the entire pipe
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✅ Chemical-free and eco-friendly
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✅ Prevents future clogs
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✅ Works on all pipe sizes and materials
King Plumbing Hydro Jetting Services
At King Plumbing, we use advanced hydro jetting technology to restore your pipes and keep your plumbing system working like new. Whether it's a minor clog or a major backup, we’ve got you covered.
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If you're dealing with slow drains, bad smells, or backups, hydro jetting might be the solution. Contact King Plumbing and get your drains flowing again.
Blocked laundry Tub
Grease In Drain.
Why You Should Never Pour Cooking Oil Down the Sink
Pouring cooking oils or grease down your kitchen sink might seem harmless, but over time, it can lead to serious plumbing issues. Once cooled, oils solidify and cling to the inner walls of your pipes. As more grease and food particles build up, the flow of water slows — eventually leading to stubborn blockages, bad smells, and even pipe damage.
Instead, pour used cooking oil into a sealed container and dispose of it in your rubbish bin, or take it to a proper disposal facility. Protect your plumbing — and your wallet — by keeping fats, oils, and grease out of your drains.
How to Safely Dispose of Cooking Oil
Disposing of used cooking oil the right way helps protect your plumbing, your home, and the environment. Instead of pouring it down the sink — which can clog your pipes — follow these simple steps:
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Let it Cool: Allow the oil to cool completely after cooking.
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Store It: Pour the oil into a sealed, non-breakable container such as a milk carton, glass jar, or plastic bottle.
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Dispose Responsibly:
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Place the sealed container in your general waste bin.
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Or, take large amounts to a local waste disposal or recycling centre (some accept used cooking oil for biodiesel production).
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Reuse When Safe: If the oil is clean and used for frying only once or twice, consider reusing it after straining.
Never pour oil down the drain or toilet — even small amounts can cause big problems over time. Responsible disposal keeps your drains clear and helps the environment.
🏛️ Australian Government Resources on Cooking Oil and Grease Disposal
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Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) – Used Oil Recycling
The DCCEEW provides information on the Product Stewardship for Oil Scheme, which encourages the proper disposal and recycling of used oils to minimize environmental harm.
🔗 Used Oil Recycling – DCCEEW -
Sustainability Victoria – Managing Motor and Cooking Oils
This fact sheet outlines the importance of separating cooking oils from general waste to prevent environmental contamination and highlights proper disposal methods.
🔗 Managing Motor and Cooking Oils – Sustainability Victoria -
Environment Protection Authority Victoria – Classification of Unprocessed Used Cooking Fats and Oils
The EPA Victoria provides guidelines on the classification and management of unprocessed used cooking fats and oils, emphasizing the need for proper storage and disposal to protect the environment.
🔗 Classification of Unprocessed Used Cooking Fats and Oils – EPA Victoria -
Queensland Government – Waste and Chemical Disposal
The Queensland Government offers advice on the disposal of various waste types, including cooking oils, and recommends contacting local authorities for specific disposal requirements.
🔗 Waste and Chemical Disposal – Queensland Government -
ACT Government – Recyclopaedia: Cooking Oil
The ACT Government's Recyclopaedia provides information on the disposal of cooking oil, advising residents to avoid pouring it down the drain and instead use designated disposal facilities.
🔗 Cooking Oil – ACT Government Recyclopaedia