Why Summer Makes Grease More Dangerous

Grease and cooking oils are problematic for sewer systems year-round, but they’re especially dangerous in the summer months. As temperatures rise in Fort Wayne, the consistency of fats and oils changes. What may appear to flow smoothly down

your drain can quickly solidify further down the pipeline, triggering clogs, odors, and even major backups.

When the heat is up, your plumbing is under pressure.

1. What Happens When You Pour Grease Down the Drain?

Grease might go down as a liquid, but it cools and congeals as it moves through your home’s pipes. These hardened layers of fat coat the interior of the plumbing lines, narrowing the passageways. Over time, this leads to massive blockages that not only slow drainage but can back up wastewater into your home.

🌡 In Summer, It Gets Worse:

• Warm air increases indoor
• Hotter pipes speed up the congealing
• Bacteria thrive in grease buildup, causing foul smells and health hazards.

2. Why Grease Build-Up Spikes in the Summer

More barbecues, outdoor cooking, and heavy summer meals often mean more grease. Whether it’s from burgers, bacon, or

fried foods, that leftover oil frequently ends up in the sink—especially if you’re in a hurry.

🍔 Common Summer Offenders:

• Bacon grease from breakfast
• Oil from deep-fried fish or
• Marinade runoff and fatty

Even a small amount of grease each day builds up fast during the high-cooking season.

3. Signs Your Drain Is Already Affected
If you’ve been pouring grease or oil down your sink—even
accidentally—you may already have a growing problem.
🚩 Watch for These Symptoms:
● Slow-draining sinks.
● Persistent kitchen odors even when it’s clean.
● Gurgling noises from pipes.
● Water pooling in dishwashers or near floor drains.
Don’t ignore these warning signs. They could indicate an
obstruction that’s worsening underground.

3. Signs Your Drain Is Already Affected

If you’ve been pouring grease or oil down your sink—even accidentally—you may already have a growing problem.

🚩 Watch for These Symptoms:

• Slow-draining
• Persistent kitchen odors even when it’s
• Gurgling noises from
• Water pooling in dishwashers or near floor

Don’t ignore these warning signs. They could indicate an obstruction that’s worsening underground

4. What to Do Instead of Pouring Grease Down the Drain

Proper grease disposal is easy—and will save you from expensive sewer repairs.

✅ Grease Disposal Tips:

• Let grease cool and pour it into a sealable
• Wipe pans with a paper towel before
• Use a strainer in your kitchen sink to catch
• Drop off excess oil at Fort Wayne’s household hazardous waste facility.

🧼 Pro Tip:

Use baking soda and vinegar monthly to keep drains clean and odor-free.

5. How AAA Sewer Service Helps Fort Wayne Homeowners

When grease causes problems, our expert team steps in with advanced tools to restore full pipe function. We offer:

• Video inspections to locate grease
• Hydro jetting to safely break down
• Grease trap installs for large households or food-based
• Maintenance plans to prevent recurring You don’t have to wait for a backup to take action.

Grease-Free is Worry-Free

Summer should be for cookouts, not cleanups. By adopting better disposal habits and scheduling regular inspections, you’ll keep your plumbing flowing smoothly all season long.

📞 Call AAA Sewer Service at (260) 456-6930

🌐 Visit our website: www.aaasewerservice.com