You probably know the devastating effects of a blocked drain system on your health and environment: stagnant pools of water, the dreadfully musty odor, and the possible mosquito infestation all lining up to make living in your home an uncomfortable experience. These effects are avoidable and usually limited to the household, but it would seem not everyone is fully aware of how they can disrupt the daily flow of an entire region.
Metro Vancouver reports that, the considerable amounts of grease entering the sewer is leading to big complications for their drainage systems, hindering normal movement and causing it to backflow or spill out into the streets. Also, it costs the city over 2 million dollars each year just to remove accumulated grease.
Apparently, this is such a huge problem that, the regional district is getting ready to launch a campaign targeted at homes this fall. They also plan to extend it to commercial establishments by next year. This program is aimed at inducing a behavioral change towards the proper disposal of greasy substances.
So what’s the appropriate way? According to the Metro’s Environmental Regulatory Planner, wiping a greasy pot or pan with a paper towel, and disposing it in the bin is an effective way of cleaning that doesn’t put the pipes at risk. If it is a large amount, put in a sealable can and discard it along with other household garbage, or keep it refrigerated if you want to reuse it.
Other approaches could include using flour to soak up the grease or baking soda to dissolve it and then wiping it up. Keep in mind, grease is a flammable substance, so to reduce the chances of your trash can catching a fire, never dispose it when it is hot or even warm.
If you’ve been in the habit of emptying your grease remains into the drains, you can always call on reliable Vancouver drainage specialists like Kerrisdale Roofing and Drains Ltd. Ltd. to help clean it out. Keep in mind that, this type of cleaning is a task for professionals only. Choosing to go all DIY on this could result in further blockage or irreparable damage. And hurry too, or you just might be the first target of the Metro’s change campaign.
Source:
Do you pour grease down the drain? Metro Vancouver says that’s clogging the pipes. Alison Bailey, May 21, 2015
5 Great Ways to Clean Grease. Caitlin Uttley
