Still Often Throw Oil into the Sink? Here are the Risks You Need to Know

YOGYAKARTA - After cooking, throwing cooking oil into the sink may feel like the most practical way to clean the kitchen. However, this habit can cause various problems in the sewer and home plumbing systems. If you still often throw cooking oil or used oil into the sink, it's a good idea to understand the various risks that can arise to avoid unnecessary damage and repair costs.

1. Grease oil can stick inside the pipe

Many people think that the oil will flow directly with the water to the sewer. In fact, when the temperature drops, the oil will become more viscous and begin to stick to the inner walls of the pipe. This layer can continue to increase every time the oil is disposed of in the same way.

This problem does not only occur in used cooking oil. Fat from meat, liquid butter, and other fatty ingredients can also leave a similar deposit in the channel. The more often this habit is done, the greater the risk of accumulation.

Illustration of the risk of often throwing dirty oil into the sink (Freepik/zinkevych)2. Increases the risk of blockage

The oil layer that sticks inside the pipe can act like an adhesive. Food scraps, chaff, and other small particles that are carried by water will be easier to stick to the layer. Over time, this accumulation can hinder the flow of water and cause the sewer to be clogged.

At first, the signs may only be in the form of water flowing slower than usual. However, if it is allowed to continue, the blockage can become more severe and more difficult to clean. In some cases, this condition even requires the help of professional personnel to overcome it.

3. Can affect more than one channel

The impact of throwing cooking oil into the sink is not always limited to the kitchen area. The plumbing system in the house is generally interconnected with various other channels, including those used by dishwashers. When fat builds up, the disturbance can spread to other parts of the drainage system.

As a result, problems that initially seem trivial can develop into a wider disorder. Citing The Spruce, Friday, June 12, in addition to hindering the flow of water, this condition can also cause an unpleasant odor from the sewer. Of course, this can reduce comfort at home.

Illustration of the risk of often throwing oil into the sink (Freepik)4. Impact on the larger disposal system

The oil that manages to pass through the house's drain does not immediately disappear. In the larger sewage network, oil can mix with various other wastes and form fat clots that are difficult to decompose. This buildup has the potential to disrupt the sewage and waste treatment system.

For this reason, many experts recommend that cooking oil is not thrown into the sink. This simple habit not only helps maintain the condition of the home pipes, but also supports a better sanitation system. The impact may not be immediately visible, but the benefits can be felt in the long run.

5. How to dispose of waste oil more safely

If there is still leftover oil after cooking, let it cool down first. After that, pour it into a container that can be closed tightly, such as an unused bottle or jar. When the container is full or the oil has hardened, dispose of it according to the waste management rules that apply in your area.

For oil that sticks to the pan or other cooking utensils, use kitchen tissue to wipe it before washing. This helps reduce the amount of fat that goes into the drain. With this simple step, the risk of blockage can be suppressed from the start.

Throwing cooking oil into the sink may seem trivial, but the impact can be quite large for the home plumbing system. By understanding the risks of this habit and implementing the right disposal method, you can help keep the sewer system running smoothly and avoid unwanted problems. So, if you still often throw cooking oil into the sink, now is the right time to start changing this habit.

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