Stop the F.O.G. to Prevent the Clog

Gabriela Sullivan, Water Resources Conservation Coordinator Water Resources Department City of Ocala

Fats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.) -adds flavor to meals, making them delicious.  It’s the good stuff that makes Thanksgiving mashed potatoes extra creamy and turkey a little less dry. However, every day, F.O.G. is unknowingly washed down the drains of thousands of houses across the City of Ocala. Disguised as cheese, salad dressing, and gravy, F.O.G. enters sewer pipes in small bits and pieces.

Over time, F.O.G. accumulates in sewer pipes both inside houses and outside in sewer pipes running underneath roads. Approximately 500 miles of sewer pipes weave back and forth beneath the city, hidden from most people. These pipes act as veins, transporting what was once clean water as sewage to one of two water reclamation facilities.

The Water Resources Department is responsible for ensuring the pipes stay free of blockages, leaks, and invaders. The department inspects the pipes and regularly conducts maintenance to ensure the health and safety of the pipes. This job can tricky and smelly if F.O.G. enters the pipes.

A buildup of F.O.G. in residential and commercial pipes can cause sewer backups, resulting when sewage flows back into a building instead of out into the sewer system. Additionally, F.O.G. can cause sewer overflows, when pipes release raw sewage due to a blockage or leak. Luckily, the solution to F.O.G. exists, the Water Resources Department needs your help!

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

Follow these simple steps:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

These small everyday actions can protect pipes for years to come!

We want to help dispose of leftover F.O.G. The Water Resources Department will host a Cooking Oil Collection Day on Monday, November 27, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ocala Wetland Recharge Park, 2105 NW 21^st St. Ocala, FL. 34475. Residents are encouraged to drop off leftover cooking oil, in a sealed container. If you have questions, or concerns, or would like a tour of our facilities, please contact Gabriela Sullivan at [email protected] or (352) 351-6772.