American Water Issues Critical Guidelines to Prevent Holiday Plumbing Disasters

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, has issued guidelines for the proper disposal of fats, oils and cooking greases (FOGs) to protect residential plumbing and wastewater systems. The company warns that FOGs can solidify in pipes and form thick sludge that leads to clogs and overflows because neither dishwashing detergent nor garbage disposal systems can effectively break down these materials. Key recommendations include never flushing FOGs down the drain, installing drain strainers, and throwing leftover food in the trash can before washing up.

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, has issued guidelines for the proper disposal of fats, oils and cooking greases (FOGs) to protect home plumbing and wastewater systems. The company warns that FOG can solidify in pipes and form thick sludge that leads to clogs and overflows because neither dishwashing detergent nor kitchen mixers can effectively break down these materials. Key recommendations include never flushing FOG in sinks, installing sink strainers, and scraping leftover food into the trash can before washing dishes.

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S., has issued guidelines for the proper disposal of fats, oils and cooking greases (FOGs) to protect residential plumbing and wastewater systems. The company warns that FOG can solidify in pipes and form a thick sludge that leads to clogs and overflows because neither dishwashing detergent nor garbage disposal systems can effectively break down these materials. Key recommendations include never flushing FOG down the drain, installing drain strainers, and scraping food particles into the trash can before washing dishes.

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the nation's largest regulated water and wastewater utility, has issued guidance on the proper disposal of grease, grease and cooking grease (FOGs) to protect home plumbing and wastewater systems. The company warns that FOG can solidify in pipes and form thick sludge, which can lead to blockages and overflows. Neither dishwashing detergent nor garbage disposals can effectively break down these substances. Top recommendations include never flushing FOG down the drain, installing a drain filter, and scraping food particles into the trash can before washing dishes.

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, has issued guidelines for the proper disposal of fats, oils and cooking greases (FOGs) to protect home plumbing and wastewater systems. The company warns that FOGs can solidify in pipes and form a thick sludge that leads to clogs and overflows because neither dishwashing detergent nor garbage disposal systems can effectively break down these materials. Key recommendations include never flushing FOG down the drain, installing wastewater filters, and throwing leftover food in the trash can before washing up.

American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, has issued guidelines for the proper disposal of fats, oils and cooking greases (FOGs) to protect home plumbing and wastewater systems. The company warns that FOGs can solidify in pipes, resulting in thick sludge and causing blockages and overflows, as neither dishwashing detergent nor trash shredders can effectively break down these materials. Important recommendations include never flushing FOGs down drains, installing drain filters, and scraping food scraps into the trash before washing dishes.

November 25, 2024 – 12:03 p.m

Be thankful, don't clog up these holidays

CAMDEN, NJ–(BUSINESS WIRE)– American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, wants to help customers and the public protect their private plumbing and wastewater systems with important tips on the disposal of Fats, oils and cooking fats (FOGs).

When FOGs are flushed down the sink, they cool and can turn into a thick sludge that sticks to the lower parts of the pipes. Neither dishwashing detergent nor garbage disposal systems can effectively break down these materials, leading to a gradual buildup over time. Ultimately, this sludge can lead to blockages, backups and overflow problems, which can pose significant health and environmental risks.

Follow these helpful tips to properly dispose of FOGs:

• Never flush FOGs down the drain. No matter how powerful your garbage disposal may be, it cannot prevent FOGs from sticking to your pipes.

• Strain, do not drain. To prevent food particles from entering the pipes, install a basket or strainer in the drain and dispose of the trapped residue in the trash.

• Let's talk about trash. Before washing, scrape all leftover food and FOG from plates, pots and utensils into the trash.

For more information on things that should never go down the drain, click here.

Across American Waters

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and 18 military installations. American Water's 6,500 talented professionals leverage their extensive expertise and the company's national size and reach to deliver outstanding results for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125352540/en/

media

Alicia Barbieri

Director, Communications and External Affairs

American water

(856) 676-8103

[email protected]

Source: American Water

FAQ

What are American Water’s (AWK) top tips for FOG disposal?

American Water recommends never flushing FOGs down the drain, installing drain strainers to catch food particles, and throwing all food particles and FOGs in the trash can before washing.

Why does American Water (AWK) warn against disposing of FOGs in the sewer system?

FOGs can cool and turn into thick sludge that sticks to pipes, causing clogs, backups and overflow problems that pose health and environmental risks because dishwashing liquids and garbage disposal systems cannot effectively break down these materials.

According to American Water (AWK), what problems can arise from improper FOG disposal?

Improper disposal of FOG can cause pipe blockages, system backups and overflow problems in residential plumbing and wastewater systems, posing significant health and environmental risks.