This Thanksgiving, Beware The FOG!
New Jersey American Water provides tips for proper disposal of cooking grease to protect home plumbing and sewers from backups
CAMDEN, N.J. – NOV. 23, 2020 – As Thanksgiving approaches, New Jersey American Water is warning customers: do not let the FOG ruin your holiday! Fats, oils and grease (FOG) are a natural result of the cooking that will occur across New Jersey in the coming days. But failure to properly dispose of FOG could create a holiday to remember for all the wrong reasons.
When washed down the drain, FOG can adhere to the insides of the pipes. Over time, this build up can cause clogs that lead to sewer overflows. In the worst cases, sewer backups may occur for homeowners, creating lasting memories of the holidays that you would probably prefer to forget. Neither dishwashing detergents nor garbage disposals can properly stop the FOG!
“It’s not something we want to think about during the holidays, but fats, oils and grease can become a real problem if they are washed down the drain,” said Manoj Patel, Senior Production Manager, Statewide Sewer Operations at New Jersey American Water. “Eventually, they will turn from liquid to solid and become a thick sludge that sticks to pipe interior, causing blockages that could result in costly repairs. As we all adjust to a different kind of holiday because of COVID-19, let’s remove this unnecessary headache from our lives. Follow these simple tips to prevent the FOG from claiming your pipes!”
New Jersey American Water provides the following tips for handling fats, oils, and grease to ensure clear pipes and sewer system lines:
- Never pour grease down sink drains or into toilets.
- Pour fats, oils, and grease into an empty jar or coffee can.
- Allow the grease to cool and solidify before throwing the container in the trash.
- Install baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps.
- Scrape food scraps and grease from plates, pots, and utensils into the trash before washing.
For more information regarding wastewater tips and treatment, view the infographics on New Jersey American Water’s website, and the FOG disposal video on the company’s YouTube channel.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.8 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter and Facebook.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Erin Banes
External Affairs Specialist
856-340-9577
Erin.Banes@amwater.com
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New Jersey American Water provides tips for proper disposal of cooking grease to protect home plumbing and sewers from backups
CAMDEN, N.J. – NOV. 23, 2020 – As Thanksgiving approaches, New Jersey American Water is warning customers: do not let the FOG ruin your holiday! Fats, oils and grease (FOG) are a natural result of the cooking that will occur across New Jersey in the coming days. But failure to properly dispose of FOG could create a holiday to remember for all the wrong reasons.
When washed down the drain, FOG can adhere to the insides of the pipes. Over time, this build up can cause clogs that lead to sewer overflows. In the worst cases, sewer backups may occur for homeowners, creating lasting memories of the holidays that you would probably prefer to forget. Neither dishwashing detergents nor garbage disposals can properly stop the FOG!
“It’s not something we want to think about during the holidays, but fats, oils and grease can become a real problem if they are washed down the drain,” said Manoj Patel, Senior Production Manager, Statewide Sewer Operations at New Jersey American Water. “Eventually, they will turn from liquid to solid and become a thick sludge that sticks to pipe interior, causing blockages that could result in costly repairs. As we all adjust to a different kind of holiday because of COVID-19, let’s remove this unnecessary headache from our lives. Follow these simple tips to prevent the FOG from claiming your pipes!”
New Jersey American Water provides the following tips for handling fats, oils, and grease to ensure clear pipes and sewer system lines:
- Never pour grease down sink drains or into toilets.
- Pour fats, oils, and grease into an empty jar or coffee can.
- Allow the grease to cool and solidify before throwing the container in the trash.
- Install baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps.
- Scrape food scraps and grease from plates, pots, and utensils into the trash before washing.
For more information regarding wastewater tips and treatment, view the infographics on New Jersey American Water’s website, and the FOG disposal video on the company’s YouTube channel.
About New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.8 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter and Facebook.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Erin Banes
External Affairs Specialist
856-340-9577
Erin.Banes@amwater.com
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