You have a garbage disposal. So you might think it’s safe to grind up many different foodstuffs and wash them down your drain. But — do you know what’s actually safe to put in a garbage disposal? The true answer, the one that will keep your repairs down and your drains running freely, is nothing. For example, do a search online for garbage-disposal-safe items. You’re far more likely to run into list after list of what you should NOT put down your disposal. Bacon grease tops many of those lists. It’s a bad idea to pour bacon grease down your drain. We explain why in this article.

Greasy Drain Clogs

Oils, lards, and other greasy lubricants and fats wreak havoc on your garbage disposal and drains. When you fry up that bacon, the grease is in liquid form. But after you dump that hot mess down your drain, it cools quickly. Once that happens, it transforms into a sticky, globby solid. This non-soluble clog clings to pipe walls and grabs onto other refuse you thought you washed down your drain. Soon, this “blob” of grease has grown into a thick, pipe-blocking plumbing problem.

Myth Buster: Running hot water or “grease-cutting” dish soap down the drain with bacon grease or other oils DOES NOT break up or flush the grease out of your pipes.

Proper Cooking Grease Disposal

Save large cans, jars, or plastic coffee containers for grease disposal that doesn’t damage your disposal and plumbing. After cooking, allow your lards, butters, and greases to cool. Then pour or scoop them into your salvaged container. Once they’ve completely solidified, they’re safe to dispose of in the trash. For very small amounts that stick to your pots and pans, DO NOT wash and rinse in your sink with hot water. Instead, first, wipe the oily residue from your cookware with paper towels that you should dispose of in the trash.

Protecting Your Garbage Disposal

Your garbage disposal is a valuable part of your kitchen plumbing. Treat it with care and respect its limitations, and it will serve you well for many years. Note that a disposal cannot break up grease. Oils and other lubricants coat the blades and make them less efficient.

Calling in the Pros

Despite your best efforts, it can be difficult to prevent all grease from entering your drains. Over time, this greasy accumulation can cause clogs. A baking soda and vinegar solution may solve the problem, and regular applications can prevent blockages. However, if you have a large, unresponsive grease blockage, it’s time to call in a professional. Benjamin Franklin will break up that clog for you. So call our pros for effective drain clog clearing services when you’re all stopped up.