Water/Sewer Do’s and Don’ts
Dumping cooking grease down the drain causes sewer spills.
Cooking Grease is one of the primary causes of residential pipeline and City sewer main clogs resulting in sewer spills throughout the Airdrie Wastewater Sewerage area. The spilled sewage eventually reaches rivers, creeks and ponds, causing unsafe conditions and temporary closures. All cooking oils disposed of improperly can cause problems in the sewer system.
The following is a typical list of items that should be disposed of more responsibly. They should not appear in drains or sewers:
| Fat, oil and grease (FOG) | Commercial food waste, including from maceration units |
| Disposable nappies | Domestic food waste, including from waste disposal units |
| Sanitary products | Plastic items (including bottles and bottle tops) |
| Needles and syringes | Supermarket bags, crisp packets, plastic bags and wrappers |
| Old clothing and rags | Cement and building materials |
| Condoms | Rubble |
| Cotton buds | Medicines |
| Old toys | Timber |
| Tights | Razor blades |
| Chemicals | General household and garden waste |
| Dead pets and pet waste | Hygienic waste; colostomy bags, incontinence pads, etc., including that from industrial maceration units. |
| Brushes (inc toilet brushes) |
By following a few simple steps, you can help prevent costly sewer spills in the future.
Step 1:
All cooking oil should be poured into an old milk carton, frozen juice container or other non recyclable package and disposed of in the garbage, not down the drain.
Step 2:
Dishes and pots that are coated with greasy leftovers, should be wiped clean with a disposable towel prior to washing or placement in dishwashers.
Step 3:
Instead of placing fat trimmings from meat in the garbage disposal, put them in a trash can. ALWAYS put cooking grease containers and greasy towels in a plastic bag before disposing of them in your trash bag.
NEVER dispose of cooking grease directly into your automated trash container.
Important Facts
Cooking grease coats pipelines similar to the way that fatty foods clog human arteries. The grease clings to the inside of the pipelines, eventually causing complete blockage.
Costly home plumbing bills are often the result of grease-clogged pipelines. Residential pipelines clog easily since they are only 2 - 4 inches in diameter.
Many people are unaware that pouring hot water and detergent down the drain only breaks up grease temporarily. Grease should NEVER be poured down the drain. If small amounts of grease accidentally get into your drain, flush immediately with COLD water.
Flushing grease down the toilet also causes sewer backups. By following a few simple steps, you can help prevent costly sewer spills in the future.
Other considerations
The continual flow of nutrient filled water found in pipelines attracts tree roots through pipe joints and manholes. The roots eventually grow, causing separation of the pipeline joints or blockages in the pipe. Always avoid planting trees and shrubs near residential and City sewer pipelines.
Rocks, debris, power outages, vandalism, rain and construction are also contributing factors to sewer spills.
Report Spills!
If you see or smell something you think might be sewer spill, report it immediately by calling (403) 948-8415. Be prepared to describe the location and the nature of the problem.
For general information, please call (403) 948-8415.