The holiday season in Fort Wayne is filled with comfort food, family dinners, and endless cooking — but it’s also the time when kitchen drains suffer the most abuse. Every year, local plumbers report spikes in grease-related clogs immediately after Thanksgiving and Christmas. From buttery gravies to turkey drippings, the fats, oils, and grease (FOG) produced during holiday cooking can quickly block your pipes and lead to messy, expensive backups. Here’s how to keep your drains clear all season long.
- Why Holiday Grease Clogs Are So Common
When hot grease and oils are poured down the drain, they cool as they travel through your pipes. As they solidify, they trap food particles, creating a thick sludge that narrows your pipe diameter until it’s completely blocked.
Top Grease Culprits in Fort Wayne Kitchens:
✅ Turkey fat, bacon grease, and roast drippings.
✅ Butter, gravy, and creamy sauces.
✅ Frying oil and melted cheese.
✅ Coconut oil and shortening used in baking.
✅ Food scraps and starches that cling to grease buildup.
Fort Wayne Note: Because of colder December temperatures, grease cools and solidifies faster — especially in older homes with cast-iron or narrow PVC pipes. That’s why prevention is critical during this season.
- How Grease Impacts Your Sewer Line
Grease doesn’t just affect your kitchen sink. Once it reaches your main sewer line, it can cause widespread issues that impact your entire home.
Consequences of Grease Buildup:
✅ Complete blockage of kitchen and main lines.
✅ Wastewater backups into sinks or basements.
✅ Sewer odors seeping through drains.
✅ Permanent pipe damage or collapse.
✅ Costly emergency cleanouts in freezing weather.
Pro Tip: Grease mixed with detergents or hot water doesn’t disappear — it simply moves further down the line before re-solidifying. Always treat grease as solid waste, not liquid.
- Smart Ways to Dispose of Holiday Grease and Oil
Preventing grease clogs starts with proper disposal and simple changes to your cleanup routine.
Safe Grease Disposal Tips:
✅ Pour grease into a heat-safe container or coffee can. Once it cools, toss it in the trash.
✅ Wipe greasy pans and dishes with paper towels before rinsing.
✅ Use a fine-mesh sink strainer to catch crumbs and food scraps.
✅ Dispose of small grease amounts with solid waste, not down the sink.
✅ Collect used cooking oil in a sealed container for recycling, if available.
Fort Wayne Tip: The city’s solid waste department occasionally hosts used cooking oil recycling events — check their website for local drop-off options after major holidays.
- The Role of the Garbage Disposal During the Holidays
Many homeowners believe the garbage disposal can handle anything, but overloading it during big meals is one of the fastest ways to trigger a clog.
Holiday Disposal Do’s and Don’ts:
✅ Run cold water while using the disposal.
✅ Feed small amounts of food slowly — not all at once.
✅ Clean the blades with ice cubes and citrus peels after heavy use.
❌ Never grind fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, or corn husks.
❌ Avoid coffee grounds, eggshells, and starchy foods that stick to grease.
Fort Wayne Insight: Most kitchen backup calls between Christmas and New Year’s are linked to improper disposal use — especially when grease and starchy waste combine in cold pipes.
- How to Maintain a Healthy Kitchen Drain System
A little proactive care can help keep your pipes clear long after the holidays end.
Maintenance Checklist:
✅ Run hot water for 30 seconds after each use to flush residue.
✅ Use enzyme-based drain cleaners monthly to break down organic buildup.
✅ Have your sewer line professionally hydro-jetted before winter for maximum flow.
✅ Keep grease traps or strainers clean and emptied regularly.
Pro Tip: Pouring boiling water alone won’t clear a grease clog — it only melts it temporarily. Professional cleaning is the safest long-term fix.
- How AAA Sewer Service Protects Fort Wayne Kitchens
AAA Sewer Service specializes in tackling grease-related blockages and offers preventive cleaning for homeowners throughout Fort Wayne. Our expert technicians can identify buildup before it leads to a costly holiday disaster.
Our Holiday Kitchen Services Include:
✅ Hydrojetting to remove grease, sludge, and food buildup.
✅ Camera inspections to pinpoint problem areas.
✅ Main line cleaning to prevent backups.
✅ Emergency drain clearing during the holidays.
Final Thought
Grease and gravy may be holiday staples, but they don’t belong in your drains. By disposing of fats properly and scheduling preventive maintenance, you can enjoy your celebrations without worrying about clogged sinks or sewer backups. Keep your Fort Wayne home flowing freely this winter with help from AAA Sewer Service.
📞 Call AAA Sewer Service at (260) 456-6930
🌐 Visit www.aaasewerservice.com