Preventing Fats, Oils and Grease In Sewer

Water containing high concentrations of fats, oil, grease (FOG), and other food waste can build up and block sewer pipes. Clogged sewer pipes can cause raw sewage to back up into homes and businesses. FOG is a problem for all of us. Slowly building up inside of sewer pipes, FOG can cause raw untreated sewage to back up and overflow at your property or neighboring property - endangering public health and damaging both private and public property.

For Businesses

The City of Twin Falls requires all food service establishments to have kitchen fixtures connected to grease interceptors when there is new construction, redevelopment, tenant improvement, or a change in ownership or occupancy. More information will be made available here for businesses - coming February 2025.

For Residents

FOG from cooking may look harmless as a liquid, but it builds up with other  in pipes when it cools. That means if you pour FOG down your drain, it sticks to pipes and eventually causes clogs and harmful overflows. Here are some handy tips for managing FOG and preventing clogged pipes and sewer backups.

Do

  • Scrape food scraps into the trash or compost bin.
  • Use a strainer in the sink to catch food scraps and other material. Empty the strainer into the trash or compost bin.
  • Pour grease into cans, let it harden, and throw the can with FOG into the trash.
  • Stop using your garbage disposal or minimize its use. Small bits of food stick with FOG to pipes, causing additional build-up.
  • Wipe pots, pans, and dishes with dry paper towels before rinsing or washing them, then throw paper towels in the garbage or compost bin.
  • Rinse dishes and pans with cold water before putting them in the dishwasher.

Don't

  • Never pour FOG down a sink drain or toilet.
  • Don't use cloth towels or rags to scrape FOG off plates and utensils because FOG will drain to the sewer when you wash the towels.
  • Don't run water over dishes, pans, fryers, or griddles to wash oil and grease down the drain.

The City’s Role

As the City of Twin Falls grows, so do the demands on our sewer system. Some areas of our City, especially areas with food service establishments, require more frequent sewer maintenance because of grease blockages. The City has designated these as accelerated grease cleaning areas and cleans sewer pipes in these areas more frequently.

Rules and Regulations

City Ordinance: 2020-018, 10-19-2020