The day after Thanksgiving has earned the nickname “Brown Friday” across the utility industry—not because of shopping deals, but because it’s one of the busiest days of the year for sewer blockages and plumbing emergencies. With heavy cooking, large family meals, and holiday cleanup, fats, oils, and grease (FOG) make their way into household drains at much higher rates than normal, causing major strains on the wastewater system.
Houses full of guests and a day of cooking and eating put a hefty strain on your pipes, leading to clogged sinks, broken disposals and, of course, clogged toilets.
Spring Creek UD Board of Directors would like to remind all residents how important it is to keep FOG out of sinks, drains, and garbage disposals—during the holidays and all year long.
Why Is FOG a Problem?
While fats, oils, and grease may seem harmless when they’re warm and liquid, they cool and solidify once inside your household plumbing and the District’s sewer lines. When this happens, FOG sticks to pipe walls, trapping other debris and creating stubborn blockages.
These blockages can lead to:
- Sewage backups into homes
- Overflows into streets, yards, and storm drains
- Costly repairs to neighborhood infrastructure
- Increased maintenance expenses for the District
Even small amounts poured down the drain over time can accumulate into large, damaging clogs.
Common Sources of FOG
You may be surprised by how many everyday items fall under the FOG category:
- Cooking oil and bacon grease
- Turkey fryer oil
- Meat drippings, fats, and lard
- Butter and margarine
- Gravy and sauces
- Dairy products
- Shortening
- Greasy or oily food scraps
How to Protect Your Pipes This Brown Friday
A few simple habits can prevent major sewer problems:
Let grease cool and dispose in the trash
Pour cooled grease into a sealed container and place it in the garbage.
Wipe before you wash
Use a paper towel to wipe grease, oil, and food residue from dishes, pots, and pans before rinsing.
Scrape food scraps into the trash
Don’t rely on the garbage disposal—it doesn’t prevent grease buildup.
Collect fryer oil properly
Once cooled, pour turkey-fryer or cooking oil into a disposable jug and throw it away with household trash.
Items Not to Flush
Reminder not to flush the following items:
- Wipes (baby, cleaning, or “flushable”)
- Paper towels & napkins
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cotton balls, swabs, and dental floss
- Hair
- Diapers & baby wipes
- Medications or household chemicals
For more information, Please visit this article.
Holiday Cooking Shouldn’t Lead to Holiday Plumbing Problems
Spring Creek UD works year-round to maintain a reliable wastewater system, but residents play a vital role in keeping it functioning smoothly. By keeping fats, oils, and grease out of your drains—especially during the busy Thanksgiving weekend—you help prevent sewer blockages, protect your home, and reduce costly repairs for the whole community.
Thank you for helping keep Spring Creek UD’s wastewater system flowing smoothly this holiday season, and have a happy Holiday!