FOGG is One of the Biggest Causes of a Blocked Sewer Pipe

Posted: Feb 21, 2012
Author: Minyard Plumbing, Inc.

Often a blocked sewer pipe is caused by fat, oil, grease and grit (FOGG).

FOGG doesn’t mix with water because it is insoluble and has a tendency to separate from water. When fats, oil and grease are continually washed down a drain, they adhere to the walls of the sewer pipe and create an accumulation which restricts the flow of wastewater. This means that the sewer pipes have to be cleaned more often. The pipes will also need replacing sooner than expected to avoid a sewer overflow.

FOGG can be deceiving because when it is mixed with hot water and dishwashing liquid it looks harmless and flows down the drain easily. But when the water cools down, FOGG solidifies and floats on top of liquid already in the sewer pipe. Gritty particles like eggshells, grains, coffee grinds, seeds, rice, etc., get trapped in the build-up and rapidly accelerate the problem.

FOGG can be likened to a build-up of cholesterol in our arteries. When it happens in a sewer pipe, wastewater (like our blood) can’t flow properly. Then suddenly without warning the sewer pipe blocks and overflows – just like a heart attack. Your home could be deluged with sewage, which could also overflow to the street and into waterways.

What foods are FOGG culprits? Anything that goes into your garbage disposal such as:

• meat fats
• food scraps
• lard
• cooking oils
• butter, margarine and shortening
• salad dressings, marinades and sauces
• dairy products

If you suspect that a sewer pipe is backing-up, contact a plumber as quickly as possible.