Kitchen cooking with oil that must be properly disposed of

Grease and Your Kitchen Drain: Prevention Tips for New Orleans Cooks

Grease is the number one enemy of kitchen drains in New Orleans. Proper disposal means never pouring grease down the drain, wiping pans before washing, and scheduling regular professional cleaning. Even small amounts accumulate over time, coating pipe walls and creating stubborn blockages.

In New Orleans, cooking is not just a daily task. It is a way of life. From frying catfish to making roux for gumbo, our kitchens see more grease and cooking oil than most. TurnKey Drainage helps homeowners from Metairie to the French Quarter keep their kitchen drains flowing despite our love of rich cuisine.

What Grease Does to Your Drains

Solidified cooking grease that should go in the trash, not the drain When hot grease goes down your drain, it is liquid and seems harmless. But as it travels through your pipes, it cools and solidifies, coating the inside like plaque in an artery.

This grease layer narrows the pipe, reduces water flow, and creates a sticky surface that catches food particles and debris.

Even hot water and dish soap only push the grease further down, where it eventually solidifies anyway.

Why It Is a Bigger Problem in New Orleans

Our culinary traditions use more cooking fats than the typical American kitchen. Many homes have corroded cast iron pipes with rough surfaces that grease clings to. The city spends millions annually clearing grease from municipal sewer lines, the same problem happening in your home pipes on a massive scale.

Smart Grease Disposal for New Orleans Cooks

For large amounts, let the oil cool, pour it into a disposable container, seal it, and trash it. Strain deep-frying oil for reuse up to 3-4 times. For residual grease, wipe pans with paper towels before washing and scrape food scraps into the trash. For drain maintenance, run hot water 30 seconds after dishes, pour boiling water weekly, use baking soda and vinegar monthly, and use a drain screen to catch food particles.

What NOT to Do

Kitchen drain with strainer preventing grease and food buildup Do not use chemical drain cleaners as they damage pipes. Do not rely on your garbage disposal to handle grease. Do not pour grease with hot water.

And do not assume small amounts are harmless since grease buildup is cumulative. These prevention principles also apply to bathtub drains and other fixtures.

Maintaining your drains works alongside protecting your landscape drainage system.

When to Call a Professional

If you already have slow drains, recurring clogs, or odors, you need professional kitchen drain cleaning. Hydro jetting is particularly effective for grease removal.

For damaged pipes, our drain repair services can restore them. If you are noticing signs that indicate structural damage, addressing the grease problem alone will not be enough.

Learn more about our company and our commitment to quality. We also offer professional drain cleaning on a regular maintenance schedule to prevent buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pour small amounts of grease down the drain?

No. Even small amounts of grease accumulate over time, coating pipe walls layer by layer. Always wipe greasy dishes with a paper towel before washing and dispose of all cooking grease in the trash.

What is the best way to dispose of cooking oil?

Let cooking oil cool completely in the pan. Pour it into a disposable container such as an old coffee can or glass jar. Seal and dispose of it in the trash. For deep frying oil, strain and reuse up to 3 to 4 times before disposal.

Does dish soap dissolve grease in drain pipes?

Dish soap emulsifies grease temporarily while washing, but it does not prevent grease from re-solidifying inside your pipes as the water cools. Once the mixture travels further down and cools, the grease separates and coats pipe walls.

How often should New Orleans homeowners clean kitchen drains?

Perform monthly maintenance flushes with boiling water and baking soda at home. Schedule professional kitchen drain cleaning at least once a year. Households that cook frequently with oils and fats may benefit from professional cleaning every 6 months.

Why is grease worse for drains in New Orleans than other cities?

New Orleans cooking culture uses more oils and fats than the national average. Many homes also have older corroded cast iron pipes with rough interior surfaces that grease clings to more easily, compounding the problem.

Keep Cooking. We Will Keep Your Drains Flowing.

TurnKey Drainage offers free estimates throughout the greater New Orleans area. Read our customer reviews to see why local homeowners trust us with their drain maintenance.

Call (504) 608-4832 or request your free estimate today.