Can You Put Grease Down a Garbage Disposal?

What Happens

• When you try to clear grease that you have poured down your garbage disposal with hot water and detergent, you may be creating a bigger problem for your pipes because hot water cools the grease and the pipes and causes the grease and any other fats in the pipes to form into a gel-like form. Detergents may lead to clogs deeper into the pipe system.

Damaging Effects

• Fats, oils and grease that you pour down your drain or into your garbage disposal eventually can flow into community sewer lines, which can harm the sewer system's ability to remove and clean waste in the water, leading to clogs and sewage water being pushed into community homes.

Solutions

• Place a basket or strainer in your sink drain to help catch food scraps that can further clog your drain. If you are cooking with oil or grease, pour it into an unbreakable jar. Seal the jar with an airtight lid, and keep the jar in a safe place in your kitchen away from a flammable substance. Once the jar is full, throw it away in your trash can.

Related Culprits

• Any oils or fats work in a similar way to grease, clogging and potentially damaging your garbage disposal and pipes. Treat these substances and liquids the same way you treat grease -- by emptying them into unbreakable jars and sealing them with airtight lids.