Don’t Let Holiday Cooking Clog Your Pipes—Keep FOG Out!

WOODBRIDGE, VA, Nov. 25, 2025 — As cooks across the region gear up for holiday feasts, Prince William Water is reminding residents and businesses to keep fats, oils and grease (FOG) out of the drain to avoid costly clogs and protect local waterways.

“When fats, oils and grease (FOG) are poured down the drain, they can harden and accumulate inside sewer pipes, blocking the flow and potentially causing backups in homes and businesses or even overflows from manholes,” explained Jonathan Okafor, Acting Director of Operations and Maintenance. “These overflows can contaminate local waterways and result in costly cleanup operations.”

Prince William Water reports that over 80% of sewer clogs are caused by improper disposal of FOG. To help prevent backups and protect the community’s infrastructure, Prince William Water encourages everyone to follow three simple steps: Can It, Cool It, Trash It.

•   Can It – Pour cooled FOG into a sealable container, such as a jar or can with a lid.

•   Cool It – Let grease or oil cool in the pan after cooking. 

•   Trash It – Once full, toss the container in the trash. Wipe down pots and pans with a paper towel and dispose of it properly.

By taking these small steps, you can enjoy your holiday meals without the mess—and expense—of a sewer backup. 

Visit www.PrinceWilliamWater.org for more information on protecting your pipes.