General Question

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

Does digested grease plug up toilets?

Asked by RedDeerGuy1 (24946points) March 22nd, 2016

Just wondering.

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

8 Answers

Tropical_Willie's avatar

Grease is usually not “digested” it just passes through, some of the fat is absorbed but not all of it. So yes, grease is grease. So yup !

Tropical_Willie's avatar

The sewer lines at the street have a condition called F.O.G. FAT – - OIL – - GREASE

The water and sewer departments in some cities recommend using “Dawn” dish-washing detergent, for its ability to dissolve grease and fat in the sewer lines.

gondwanalon's avatar

When you say grease I assume that you mean dietary fats. Normal healthy people will not pass any fat in the feces. Only people with certain fat malabsorption diseases pass fat in their feces.

XOIIO's avatar

I ate a jar of Vaseline and it took the plumbers 6 hours to clear it.

It said jelly, and jelly is usually tasty. It wasn’t, but I ain’t no quitter

jca's avatar

If you are clogging the toilet, try flushing before you wipe, and then flush again after you wipe.

ibstubro's avatar

Can you explain that a little more, @gondwanalon? I think you have the definitive answer to what the OP was asking. The answer I’d looked for and not been able to find.

If I understand you right, the fats we eat are metabolized to a degree they are not a hazard to the sewer system.

I’m guessing this question was a natural offshoot of the toilet paper question, and concerns about clogging the sewer.

Love_my_doggie's avatar

Sanitation workers continually deal with fatbergs – congealed lumps of oil and grease, female sanitary products, condoms, personal wipes (which aren’t flushable, even though the containers say they are), and other waste items. Toilet paper usually isn’t the cause of any problems; it’s designed to disintegrate quickly when wet.

The fat comes from our skin and hair, when we wash away body oils, moisturizers, and cosmetics. Bar soap and body cleansers have fat or oil bases, plus people use bath oils. All this stuff ends up in the sewer system.

Inspired_2write's avatar

Yes if one is draining it directly into the pipes. If so, add a cup of liquid detergent, otherwise place into a container, wait for it to cool and safe to dispose of in the garbage.

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