The Problem With FOG

Is FOG a problem? Yes.

When fats, oils and grease are put into the City sewer lines in any amount they can seriously affect the sewer system's ability to remove waste from our community. FOG can be deposited directly on pipe walls, thus decreasing pipe capacity and, therefore, requiring an increased frequency of cleaning, maintenance, and replacement.

FOG, especially grease (fats that are solid and stable at room temperature) dissolved in a warm and/or soapy liquid may not appear harmful. But when released into the sewer system that liquid cools down significantly. The grease/fats can harden and adhere on the pipe surface. Over time, FOG can cause big problems.

Problems caused by grease blockages ...

Sanitary sewer lines blocked by FOG can cause major problems such as:

• Raw, septic sewage backing up into your home or your neighbor's home.
• Expensive and unpleasant cleanup that you must pay for.
• Raw sewage overflowing into neighborhood parks, yards and streets.
• Potential contact with disease-causing microorganisms from the sewage overflow.
• An increase in operation and maintenance costs for the City of Morganton, which could cause higher sewer bills for you.
• What about using my garbage disposal or use detergent to wash it down the drain? Home garbage disposals do not keep grease out of your sewer system, nor will it prevent grease from building up. Products such as detergents that claim to dissolve grease may pass the grease down the pipeline and cause problems elsewhere.