As holiday cooking ramps up, City officials are reminding Wheeling residents to be cognizant of how they dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOG). A few simple habits in the kitchen can go a long way in preventing costly sewer issues and unwelcome plumbing surprises during the festive season.

Water Pollution Control Division Operations Supervisor Mike Chiazza said grease-related blockages are a persistent and expensive challenge for the community. Each year, the City of Wheeling spends more than $100,000 clearing grease accumulations from public sewer lines.

“When greasy waste gets into the sewer system, it cools down and turns solid,” Chiazza explained. “Over time it creates thick clogs that combine with other debris. The result can be sewage backing up into homes and streets. It’s messy, it smells, it poses environmental risks and it’s the last thing anyone wants to deal with during the holidays.”

Holiday cooking often produces a surprising amount of leftover oil. Deep-fried turkeys, for example, can leave behind up to 20 gallons of used oil. Many other seasonal staples also contribute to FOG buildup - bacon drippings, butter, lard, shortening, salad dressings, gravy, mayonnaise, sour cream and other fatty ingredients.

Chiazza says the biggest problems tend to start at the sink.

“Running hot water might keep grease liquid while it’s in the kitchen, but once it moves into the cooler pipes of the sewer system, it solidifies again,” he said. “That’s when clogs form and backups begin.”

To help residents avoid holiday plumbing headaches, the City recommends the following practices: 

- Scrape before you wash. Put leftover food in the trash instead of the garbage disposal. Wipe greasy pans and dishes with a paper towel and throw the towel away. Use a sink strainer to keep small food scraps out of your pipes.

-Reuse or dispose of cooking oil correctly. Let used oil cool, then pour it back into its original container. It can be stored for reuse or placed in the trash once sealed. Harden and toss grease.

-Pour cooking grease into a disposable container, allow it to solidify, then throw it away in a sealed bag to avoid leaks.

Those with questions about managing fats, oils and grease can reach Chiazza at (304) 234-3874.