From toilets to kitchen sink drains, maintaining flow through your pipes is a priority for the Water Resources Department. Throughout the City of Ocala, there are almost 500 miles of underground pipes that transport sewage from houses and businesses to two Water Reclamation Facilities. Our city relies on these pipes to safely transport sewer without harming the people of our community or the environment.

Fats, Oils, and Grease (F.O.G)

Did you know pouring fats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.) down the drain can clog pipes and lead to sewer overflows? Washing some of your favorite foods like peanut butter, cheese, and gravy down the drain can cause clogs. F.O.G. will travel down your pipes and collect along the side of your pipe walls. Over time, this will restrict and even cease drainage flows. Outside of your house, F.O.G. will collect in the sewer system and lift stations, causing odors and sewer overflows.

What is F.O.G.?

F.O.G. includes any leftover food that eventually makes its way down the drain.

Fats are solids at room temperature.

This includes butter, cheese, peanut butter, and sour cream.

Oils are liquids at room temperature.

This includes salad dressings and various cooking oils.

Grease is a liquid during cooking and solidifies when cooled.

This includes gravy, mayonnaise, and melted meat fat.

How do I dispose of F.O.G.?

Protecting your pipes is as simple as cooling, containing, and canning F.O.G.

Follow these simple tips:

Leftover cooking oil or grease? It’s time to cool it, contain it, and can it. Cool - Allow oil and grease to cool completely. Contain – Scrape it into a disposable container, like a tin can, cup, or plastic bag. Can – Throw the container into a trash can.
Wipe Before You Wash Wipe plates, pots, and pans with a paper towel or pan scraper to remove food before placing it in a sink or dishwasher.
Strain Before You Drain Place a sink strainer in a drain opening to prevent food, and other objects from entering the drain. Empty the strainer regularly into a trash can.

Do NOT pour F.O.G. down the drain and "chase" with hot or boiling water. This does not get rid of F.O.G.; it just moves the F.O.G. further down your pipes. Using excessive amounts of dish soap does not dispose of F.O.G. either. Dish soap only helps transport F.O.G. further down your pipes.

Watch the video below to learn more about F.O.G. and how it travels through the sewer system.