California American Water Warns: Cooking Grease Disposal Guidelines to Prevent Pipe Damage

California American Water 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 when FOGs are flushed down sinks, they can solidify into thick sludge, causing pipe blockages and system overflows. Neither dishwashing detergent nor garbage disposals can effectively break down these materials. Key recommendations include: never flush FOGs down the drain, install drain strainers to catch leftover food, and throw plates and cookware in the trash before washing.

California American Water 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 when FOGs are flushed down sinks, they can solidify into a thick sludge and cause blockages in pipes and overflows in systems. Neither dishwashing detergent nor food mills can effectively break down these materials. Key recommendations include: never flush FOGs down the sink, install drain filters to catch leftover food, and scrape plates and pots into the trash before washing.

California American Water has issued guidelines for the proper disposal of cooking fats, oils and grease (FOGs) to protect residential plumbing and wastewater systems. The company warns that FOGs can solidify into a thick sludge when washed down sinks and cause blockages in pipes and overflows in systems. Neither dishwashing detergent nor garbage disposals can effectively break down these materials. Key recommendations include: never flush FOGs down the drain, install drain strainers to catch food particles, and scrape dishes and utensils into the trash can before washing.

California American Water has published guidelines for the proper disposal of fats, oils and cooking greases (FOGs) to protect residential plumbing and wastewater systems. The company warns that when FOGs are flushed down the sink, they solidify into a thick sludge that can cause pipes to clog and flood the system. Neither dishwashing detergent nor kitchen machines can effectively break down these substances. Key recommendations include never flushing FOGs down the drain, installing a drain filter to catch food particles, and throwing dishes and utensils in the trash before washing.

California American Water has published guidelines for the proper disposal of fats, oils and grease (FOGs) to protect residential plumbing and wastewater systems. The company warns that when FOGs are flushed down sinks, they can solidify into a thick sludge and cause blockages in pipes and overflows in systems. Neither dishwashing detergent nor garbage disposals can effectively break down these materials. Key recommendations include: never flush FOGs down the drain, install drain filters to catch food waste, and throw plates and utensils into trash cans before washing.

California American Water has issued guidelines for the proper disposal of fats, oils and cooking grease (FOGs) to protect residential plumbing and wastewater systems. The company warns that when FOGs are flushed down sinks, they can solidify into thick sludge, causing pipe blockages and overflows in the system. Neither dishwashing detergent nor trash shredders can effectively break down these materials. Key recommendations include never flushing FOGs down the drain, installing drain filters to catch leftover food, and scraping plates and cookware into the trash before rinsing.

Insights

This press release on FOG disposal tips constitutes routine operational guidance and does not constitute market-moving news for American Water Works (AWK). While proper waste disposal practices are important for infrastructure maintenance, this type of consumer education initiative does not have a significant financial impact performance or the stock value of the company.

Timing this release before the holiday season is common practice for utilities as they typically run public awareness campaigns during periods of higher cooking activity. This represents normal business operations rather than a significant development that would influence investment decisions.

November 25, 2024 – 4:19 p.m

Be thankful, don't clog up these holidays

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–California American Water aims to help customers and the public protect their residential plumbing and wastewater systems by providing important tips for disposing of fats, oils and cooking grease (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.

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.

About California American Water

California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides high-quality, reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people. For more information, visit www.californiaamwater.com and follow California American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125586146/en/

media

Luke Gianni

External Affairs

Email: [email protected]

831.236.8523

Source: California American Water

FAQ

How does California American Water (AWK) recommend disposing of cooking grease?

California American Water recommends never flushing fats, oils, and grease down drains, installing drain strainers, and scraping food particles and FOGs into the trash before washing dishes.

According to California American Water (AWK), what problems can FOGs cause in residential plumbing?

According to California American Water, FOGs can solidify into thick sludge in pipes and cause blockages, backups and overflow problems that pose health and environmental risks.

According to California American Water (AWK), can waste disposal systems break down cooking grease?

No, California American Water states that neither garbage disposal nor dishwashing detergent can effectively break down fats, oils and cooking greases (FOGs).