Councilman Michael Johnson's
Arizona Informant Column
Phoenix Asks You to Cease the Grease
How long can you live without water in your home? One way to find out is to pour grease down your sink. Did you know that grease can block your sewer lines, resulting in loss of service until the line is cleared?
Grease can cause overflows that damage your personal property and may result in costly repairs and plumbing bills. And, the experience is something you’ll never forget. And even if grease escapes your drains and makes its way to Phoenix’s sewer system, the high cost of sewer line cleaning comes from your pocket.
So, the city of Phoenix’s Water Services Department is asking you to “Cease the Grease.” How can you help keep your drains and the city’s sewer system from backing up? It’s simple. Never pour grease or cooking oil into sink drains, garbage disposals or toilets. Scrape cooled grease and food scraps from plates, pots, pans and utensils directly into your trash can. With your help we can “Cease the Grease” and keep your sewer lines flowing smoothly.
And speaking of sewer lines, one spot that leads to those lines can be a big water waster...your toilet. Toilets can easily leak just a little water that goes on and on, eventually wasting lots of water and causing your water bill to be higher. To check for a toilet leak, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If that color is in the bowl five minutes later, you may have a leak. Usually, it just means replacing a flapper valve in the tank - which is really easy - even if you're not handy. So, think about water, every time you use it, indoors and outdoors, and use it responsibly.
Michael Johnson is Councilman for Phoenix District 8. His office can be reached at 602-262-7493 or at michael.johnson@phoenix.gov via e-mail.
