Last Updated: February 25, 2026 — Reviewed by Brian Hayes, Licensed Master Plumber
Grease trapped in clogged drains is putting our kids through college. At the risk of ruining this gravy train (which is our first tip of what not to put down your drain), we’re going to help explain what products you shouldn’t be putting down your drain and why. Then, because we don’t want to leave you hanging, we’ll tell you the best place to dispose of those items.
Clogged Drains Advice: What to NOT Put Down your Drain
You wouldn’t believe what we’ve fished out of sinks. From wedding rings to children’s toys to hairballs (darned cats) to sticks of butter—we’ve seen it all. Now that the holiday cooking and baking season is upon us (yumm!), we thought we’d give you a heads-up on these sink-clogging products that can quickly spoil festivities, including:
1. Fat from meats (think: turkey)
2. Butter
3. Margarine
4. Cooking oils
5. Lard
6. Food scraps
7. Dairy
8. Salad dressing (full of oil).
FOGs—Fats, Oils and Greases
FOGs are the absolute worst food items to put down your drain as they can congeal in your pipes and cause a blockage, similar to how they congeal in your body and cause a heart attack.
Keeping these products out of your drain will keep them from clogging your pipes, which can cause a nasty drainage backup during your holiday season. These Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) situations not only cause a problem in your home but can also clog your neighbour’s pipes, and can cause overflows that seep into drinking water and cause environmental damage from household cleaners and other caustic fluids.
How to Properly Dispose of FOGs to Avoid Clogged Drains
There are a number of ways to safely dispose of FOGs, so as to not clog your plumbing system (which would involve a last-minute call to us), including:
- Collect the liquid grease, fat and oils in a recyclable container that can either be emptied or tossed away
- Be sure to cover the container to ensure that you don’t spill.
- Empty all your scrap food into the trash.
- Avoid using your garbage disposal when possible, to avoid it becoming clogged.
- Cool all hot greases and oils before disposal, and once cool—scrape or wipe-off cookware into a proper trash receptacle.
- Never pour oil/grease down your sinks (or toilet!).
- Don’t rinse greasy pots with hot water as this will cause it to rush mi-way through he drain before congealing.
For more plumbing tips and clogged drains advice, stay tuned to the Hayes Plumbing blog. But if it’s too late for you and you’ve already put grease down your drain (which will be obvious by the un-drain-able backlog in your sink)–never fear, just call us here at Hayes.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call a plumber for grease in drain?
You should call a licensed plumber for grease in drain when the issue persists after basic troubleshooting, involves water pressure changes, or requires access to pipes behind walls. Hayes Plumbing serves Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, and Pickering in Durham Region.
How much does grease in drain cost in Durham Region?
The cost of grease in drain in Durham Region depends on the complexity of the job and parts required. Hayes Plumbing provides upfront pricing before beginning any work so there are no surprises.
Should I try DIY or hire a professional for grease in drain?
While minor issues can sometimes be addressed with DIY methods, grease in drain often requires a licensed plumber to ensure the work meets Ontario plumbing code. Hayes Plumbing is fully licensed, WSIB certified, and BBB accredited in Oshawa.
Need help with plumbing repairs or installations? Hayes Plumbing & Bathroom Renovations serves Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby, Clarington, and Pickering. Contact us or call (905) 576-3043 for a free estimate.
