Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Blockages
Grease and fat blockages are a common issue in residential and commercial plumbing systems, particularly in kitchens. When fats, oils, and grease are poured down the drain, they can solidify and accumulate over time, leading to stubborn clogs.
Recognising the signs of a FOG (fats, oils, and grease) blockage early can save you time and money in the long run. Here are some common indicators to look out for:
If water is taking longer than usual to drain from sinks, tubs, or showers, it may signal a developing blockage.
Foul smells coming from your drains can indicate that grease is accumulating and starting to rot.
If you hear gurgling noises when using nearby fixtures, it may mean air is trapped behind a FOG blockage.
Water backing up into your sink or tub when using other plumbing fixtures is a clear sign of a significant blockage.
If you find yourself regularly dealing with clogged drains, especially in the kitchen, it could be due to grease accumulation.
If troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, our CCTV drain camera inspection service is an excellent option to diagnose the problem accurately. Our professional blocked drain specialists will come on-site to assess the blockage severity and provide you with an upfront quote—no hidden costs or fees. We believe in honesty and transparency, which is why we include our CCTV camera footage in the process. We invite you to join us on this journey every step of the way, so you can see the problem and understand the solution.
When grease and fat are heated, they remain in a liquid state, making them easy to wash down the sink. However, as they cool, they solidify, adhering to the sides of pipes and eventually creating blockages.
Grease buildup restricts water flow, slowing down drains, especially in kitchen sinks and dishwashers.
Decomposing grease produces foul smells that can spread throughout the kitchen, worsened by stagnant water.
Severe blockages can cause wastewater to back up into sinks and drains, creating messes and health hazards.
Pressure from restricted flow may crack or break pipes, leading to costly repairs.
Frequent professional cleaning may be required to address significant grease blockages, increasing expenses.
In commercial settings, frequent blockages can result in fines or temporary closure due to non-compliance with health regulations.
If you find yourself dealing with a grease or fat blockage, our plumbing services offer effective solutions to resolve the issue:
Our plumbers can use a snake to physically break up the blockage, allowing for smooth drainage.
This powerful method uses high-pressure water jets to effectively break down grease, fat, and FOG (fats, oils, and grease) blockages, ensuring your pipes are clear and functioning properly.
Combining the power of hydro jetting with hot water, this method helps dissolve and flush out grease and fat more effectively, making it a comprehensive solution for stubborn blockages.
For commercial kitchens, installing a grease trap can help capture fats and oils before they enter the plumbing system, significantly reducing the risk of blockages.
Preventing grease and fat blockages is easier than dealing with them after they occur. Here are some practical tips to keep your drains clear:
Allow grease to cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash.
Install a drain strainer to catch food particles and grease before they enter the plumbing.
Schedule routine drain cleaning to prevent buildup over time.
Ensure everyone in your home understands what can and cannot be flushed down the drain.
First of all, don’t panic! Accidents happen, and there are steps you can take to minimise the damage. If you accidentally pour cooking oil or grease down the sink, follow these guidelines:
If your drains are slow or have unpleasant odours, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
Inspect your sink, dishwasher, and floor drains for any visible grease buildup.
Take note of any recurring slow drains and their locations.
Check if other drains in your home are affected, as this may indicate a larger plumbing issue.
For DIY methods of solving this issue, you might try the following:
As mentioned, this mixture can help break down grease.
Regularly pouring hot water down the drain can help prevent grease buildup.
If these methods don’t work, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
At Blocked Drain Service Sydney, we’ve built a solid reputation by tackling the most stubborn grease and fat blockages for homes and businesses. We understand how frustrating these blockages can be, and we’re here to provide fast, effective solutions that restore your plumbing and your peace of mind. Here’s why we’re the go-to choice:
We don’t waste time! Our local teams arrive at your door within 90 minutes, ready to tackle even the messiest grease-clogged drains with speed and precision.
With us, what you see is what you get. No hidden fees, no unexpected costs. Our experts will assess the situation on-site and give you a clear, upfront quote before any work begins.
We believe in making the process stress-free. Our team is not only reliable but also friendly and approachable, ready to tackle any plumbing problem, big or small, with confidence and expertise.
Yes, boiling water can help dissolve some grease. However, it may not be effective for larger blockages.