PR Newswire·Nov 12, 2026, 10:00 AM ET

Virginia American Water Wants Customers to Pause and Think Before Pouring Fats, Oils and Grease Down the Kitchen Sink

Virginia American Water urges customers to prevent clogged drains & sewer backups during holiday gatherings by managing fats, oils & grease (FOGs).
FOGs poured down drains can cool, solidify & accumulate inside pipes, causing costly plumbing repairs & wastewater system issues.
Company President Laura Runkle emphasizes that keeping FOGs out of drains protects pipes & ensures local wastewater systems run smoothly.
Key prevention tips include cooling FOGs & disposing of them in sealable containers instead of pouring them down the sink.
Customers are advised to wipe excess grease from cookware with paper towels before washing or using dishwashers.
Food scraps, sauces & solids should be scraped into the trash rather than sent down drains, even when using garbage disposals.
Sink strainers should be used to catch food particles before they enter the plumbing system.
Running hot water or using dish soap does not eliminate grease buildup & FOG can still accumulate farther down pipes.
American Water has released a short video with practical tips for keeping FOGs out of household drains.
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water & wastewater utility in the US, serving approximately 14 million people across 14 states & 19 military installations.
Virginia American Water is the largest regulated water company in the state, serving approximately 384,000 people.