Holiday in the Park

HCMUD 0712026-11-10T11:49:33-06:00November 10, 2026|

Holiday Cooking and Grease Disposal: What Not to Put Down the Drain

HCMUD 0712026-11-04T11:15:32-06:00November 4, 2026|

The holiday season is often a time for cooking, baking, and sharing meals with family and friends. A busy kitchen can also produce larger amounts of fats, oils, grease, and food waste. Putting these materials down the drain can contribute to clogged plumbing in your home and blockages in the District’s wastewater collection system.

Fats, oils, and grease do not simply disappear when rinsed with water. As they cool, some may solidify while others can coat the inside of pipes and combine with food particles and other debris. Over time, this buildup can restrict wastewater flow and contribute to plumbing problems or backups. Hot water, soap, and a garbage disposal do not prevent grease from accumulating farther along in the plumbing system. Additionally, the District’s Amended Rate Order prohibits discharging oil, grease, and other materials into the District’s sanitary sewer system that may interfere with the system’s operation.

The following items should not be placed down the drain:

• Grease and drippings from cooked meats
• Gravy, sauces, and cooking oils
• Butter, margarine, and shortening
• Salad dressings and mayonnaise
• Leftover food scraps

Allow grease to cool, then place it in a sealable disposable container and put the container in the household trash. Before washing greasy cookware, remove food scraps and wipe away excess residue with a paper towel. Food scraps should also be placed in the trash rather than rinsed into the sink or garbage disposal.

Keeping fats, oils, grease, and food waste out of household drains can help reduce buildup in private plumbing and the District’s wastewater collection system. A few simple cleanup practices after holiday cooking can help prevent avoidable clogs and plumbing problems. In the event wastewater backs up into your home or overflows from a cleanout or manhole, please contact the District’s operator, Regional Water Corporation, at (281) 897-9100 for assistance in determining whether the blockage is in the District’s system or your private sewer line.