Don’t let fats, oils and grease (FOG) ruin your family's holiday feasting or mar proper meal cleanup. Unexpected pipe problems don’t only cost you money but also consume valuable time. Avoid the drama of a plumbing crisis by following these simple tips:  

• Never pour cooking fats, oils or grease down your sink drain, including items like butter, mayonnaise and frosting.  
• Wipe small amounts of fats, oils or grease from pots and pans with a paper towel, then toss the towel in the trash. Use cold water to rinse the pots and pans! 
• Collect smaller amounts of used, cooled cooking oil in a sturdy, plastic container with a screw-top lid. Trash the container when it's full.  
• Schedule a free pick-up for one or more gallons of cooking or turkey fryer oil. Collect it in a container with a secure lid and call Environmental Waste Services at 972-769-4150 to recycle FOGs into bio-diesel fuel.  

Most sanitary sewer overflows are caused by the accumulation of fats, oils, grease and wipes in the sewer system. The only things that should be going down your pipes are soap, pee, poo and toilet paper. Don't be a drain on your holiday! Learn other ways to protect your pipes.