Show All Answers

1. What is FOG?

FOG stands for Fats, Oils, and Grease, all of which can severely damage your sanitary sewer system.  Fats, oils and greases are natural by-products of the cooking and food preparation process.  For more information about FOG, view the Fats, Oils & Grease page.

2. How does FOG impact the sewer system?

Fats, oils, and grease, known collectively as FOG, represent the most serious enemy of our sewer lines. FOG poured down the drains forms large, thick grease balls that accumulate inside sewer pipes. As the FOG builds up, it restricts the flow in the pipe and can cause untreated wastewater to back up into homes and businesses, resulting in high costs for cleanup and restoration.

Important! When a sewer backup occurs to the private property, the homeowner or business owner is responsible for the cleanup.  

If you suspect you have a sewer backup, remember to call Spotsylvania County Utilities first. A qualified technician will be dispatched to help you evaluate the problem.  For more information, view the Report Sanitary Sewer Backup or Stoppage page. 

For more information about FOG, view the Fats, Oils & Grease page.

3. Why shouldn't FOG go down the drain?

FOG sticks to the sides of pipes and eventually clogs them. This backs up the pipes and causes sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), possibly in your home and yard, or into your business establishment.  SSOs can release bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that may be dangerous to human health. The sewage may be released into your home or business, or into our waterways, streets, and parks. SSOs are unpleasant and expensive to clean-up, and if they occur on private property, it is you, the property owner, who is responsible for the clean-up. 

If the County is responsible for a clean-up, manpower and money are wasted on something that could have been avoided.  The costs associated with SSOs are not limited to the public utilities clean up costs of containment, removal, and disposal of contaminated materials, emergency line cleaning, disinfectants, sampling and testing, record keeping and documentation, public notification, EPA and VDEQ enforcement actions.  The non-direct costs may include media-related costs, property damages, public relations, insurance, exposure to untreated wastewater (pathogens and viruses), and decreased tourism.  

4. What can I do to help prevent FOG damage?

Households and Businesses can help prevent FOG buildup in the sanitary sewer lines and mains.  Here are some tips.

COOL IT. CAN IT. TRASH IT.

• Do place cooled cooking fats, oils, and grease into a waxed food container such as a milk carton or container with a lid and dispose of it in the garbage.
• Do scrape grease and foods scraps into a container or trash for disposal from:
  • Cooking surfaces
  • Dishes
  • Pans
  • Pots
  • Utensils
• Do wipe before washing.  For greasy pans, pour the grease into a container and use a paper towel to wipe out the remaining grease in the pan prior to washing.
• Do use baskets or strainers in sinks to catch the leftover food scraps. Empty scraps into garbage.
• Do minimize the use of garbage disposals. Foods containing FOG can get caught in the plumbing and cause sewer backups.
• Do minimize the use of dish soap when washing dishes. Dish soap emulsifies FOG and enables it to pass into pipes. It will later coagulate in sewer lines.
• Do keep drains clean by pouring 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar.  Wait 10-15 minutes and then rinse with hot water.
• Do speak with friends and family about the problem of FOG in the sewer system and how to keep it out.

• DON’T

  • Don’t put fats, oils, or grease down garbage disposals. 
  • Don’t pour fats, oils or grease down sink drains or into toilets.
  • Don’t use hot water to rinse grease off cookware, utensils, dishes, or surfaces.  Instead wipe out with a paper towel.

Photo Courtesy of Goldstreet Design Agency, Inc.

For more information, view the Fats, Oils & Grease page.

5. What should I do if I experience a sewer blockage or overflow?

First, call Spotsylvania County Utilities.  View the Report a Sanitary Sewer Backup/Stoppage page.

If you suspect a sanitary sewer line or drain stoppage, or you are experiencing sanitary sewer backup or overflow, contact the Spotsylvania County Utilities department immediately. Be sure to contact Spotsylvania County Utilities first. A qualified technician will be dispatched to help you evaluate the problem. 

• Weekdays (excluding holidays) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., call 540-507-7300, Option 2
• After-hours/weekends/holidays: call 540-507-7340 or call 540-507-7350

What to Do

If you are experiencing a sanitary sewage stoppage, sanitary sewer backup or overflow, do not run any water or chemical agents down the drains or plumbing lines until Spotsylvania County Utilities has had the opportunity to respond. Remember to call Spotsylvania County Utilities first. To learn more about our policies, please view the Reported Sewer Backup Policy (PDF).

What We Will Do

A qualified technician will be dispatched to help you evaluate the problem.  They will determine whether the blockage is on your property or Spotsylvania County Utility property.  If the blockage is occurring on County property and cannot be traced exclusively back to your property, then the County will work to repair the County infrastructure.  If the blockage is on your property, you can consult with a plumber to fix the issue.

6. What do I do with the oil used in deep fryers at home?

Wait until the oil in your deep fryer at home has completely cooled and use a funnel to pour the oil into a container. If you are not planning to reuse the oil, seal the container tightly, and put it in the trash.  Never pour oil down your home’s plumbing or into a storm drain.