SAN ANTONIO – With the Thanksgiving season approaching, families across San Antonio are gearing up for holiday feasts filled with turkey, stuffing, and all the trimmings. However, the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is urging residents to take extra precautions when it comes to disposing of kitchen waste.
One key piece of advice from SAWS is to avoid pouring cooking grease and oil down the drain. Lilliana Gonzalez, a senior communications specialist with SAWS, highlighted that during the holidays, many people prepare richer foods, including fried turkey, which can lead to plumbing issues if not disposed of properly.
“Downstream, (the grease) will end up in the system and, quick reminder, the SAWS system is also your system,” Gonzalez noted. Once grease and oil leave residential drains, they can become trapped in sewer pipes. This can create significant clogs, especially when combined with other materials.
Gonzalez explained that it’s not just cooking oil that poses a threat; other fatty substances like ice cream, salad dressings, and whole milk can solidify when cooled, contributing to sewer blockages. Instead of pouring these items down the drain, she advises residents to dispose of them in the trash.
Additionally, bathroom wipes, even those labeled as disposable, should never be flushed down toilets. Gonzalez emphasized that improper disposal leads to costly problems for the entire community.
To illustrate the issue, SAWS field crews recently conducted a demonstration. Using a robotic camera, one team member explored the sewer line while another team operated a truck equipped with a high-pressure water hose and vacuum to clear clogs. “This is all the grease buildup that they’re putting into the sewer main,” said Jonathan Butler, the camera operator, as he pointed out problem areas on a monitor.
The crew successfully retrieved clumps of wipes from the pipes, which were covered in dirt and grease. Gonzalez described the scene as “gross,” acknowledging that while it made for compelling visuals, it also underscored a serious issue.
The financial implications of these clogs can be significant. “If we make it somebody else’s problem by pushing it down the drain, it’s still your problem because it costs all of our ratepayers,” she explained. SAWS crews routinely maintain over 6,600 miles of sewer lines throughout the city to prevent these issues, but without regular upkeep, frequent sewer spills could become a reality.
