Is It OK to Dispose of Fats, Oils, and Cooking Grease Down the Kitchen Drain?

Pouring grease down the drain followed by hot water will not prevent your drain from clogging.

Water and other non-greasy liquids can go down the drain. winnond/Shutterstock

Dear Mary: Is there any problem with disposing of cooking grease and oil down the kitchen drain, as long as one is careful to follow with very hot water? My wife and I are at odds on this and have agreed to let you settle the argument. Hope to hear back soon. We could use some harmony.—Ben

Dear Ben: While I’m not exactly a marriage counselor (though I did write “How to Debt-Proof Your Marriage”—just saying), I’m happy to help settle this little spat. You didn’t say who’s on which side of the debate, but I’m glad for that—wouldn’t want to be accused of playing favorites!