Protect Pipes from FOG

A police lineup of three cartoon monsters representing fats, oils and grease

Warning! There is a trio of criminal monsters that can attack your pipes. The slippery gang goes by the name of “FOG,” which is short for Sir Fats, Mister Oils and Gangster Grease. FOG is dangerous and does its dirty work underground. This gang is lurking… wreaking havoc… waiting for the opportunity to meet you in person. And if that happens, there will be a real mess!

  1. Residential
  2. Commercial

Seeking Residents' Help to Eliminate the FOG Crime Ring in Burnsville

How does FOG Attack?

Fats, oils and grease (FOG) are a slippery gang that make their way into the wastewater system and can wreak havoc in sewer pipes. Grease in a warm liquid my not appear harmful, but as the liquid cools in the pipes. It solidifies and sticks to the inside of the pipe, like a clogged artery. The buildup continues to grow and can clog the pipe, which can lead to costly sewer back-ups.These backups can come straight into your home and cause some costly damage.

Protect Yourself from FOG

Person scraping grease with a paper towel from a pan into a trash bin.Cool pans, dishes, fryers etc., then scrape or wipe food, oil and grease into a trash bin.
Person putting grease from frying eggs into a coffee can-sized collection container.Put used oil and grease into covered collection containers.
Person rinsing small fry pan with water.Pre-wash dishes and pans with cold water before putting them in the dishwasher.
Person pouring grease from a coffee can-size grease collection container into the sink.Never pour or wash oil or grease down any drain.
Person about to put fried eggs into the sink to dispose of them.Avoid putting food down the drain even if there is a garbage disposal. Food particles can get caught in FOG build-up, and can lead to a higher chance of sewer back-ups and overflows.


"Most Wanted" graphic courtesy of the City of Palm Bay, Florida.
FOG kitchen pictures courtesy of the City of Minneapolis, Minnesota.