If you’re like most people, you probably crank up the hot water when it’s time to tackle dishes. I mean, hot water just feels cleaner, right? But here’s the thing—when you’re dealing with greasy pans, that hot water habit could actually be setting you up for some pretty serious plumbing problems down the road. And honestly, it’s not just about your pipes. It can mess with city sewer systems too.
The grease problem nobody talks about
So what actually happens when hot water hits grease? Basically, the heat melts all that fat and oil, turning it into liquid. Sounds good at first—like it’s washing away, right? But as that greasy water travels through your pipes and starts cooling down, it solidifies again. And that’s when things get messy. The grease coats the inside of your pipes, building up layer after layer. Over time, you’re looking at serious blockages that’ll cost you hundreds, maybe thousands, to fix. Not fun.
According to Doyle James, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, this happens way more often than people realize. And it’s totally preventable if you just change one simple thing about how you wash your pans.
Cold water is your friend here
Here’s what you should do instead: use cold water. I know it sounds backwards, but cold water actually keeps the grease solid. When the fat stays solid, it can move through your pipes more easily without sticking to the sides. The principles of water and gravity just take over and wash it away. Pretty simple when you think about it. But the grease never gets a chance to coat your pipes because it never melts in the first place.
You still need to wipe first though
Now, does this mean you can just wash tons of grease down the drain as long as the water’s cold? No way. You still need to get rid of as much grease as possible before you even turn on the tap. After trying different methods over the years, I’ve found that scraping pans into the trash works best. Use paper towels or even old newspaper to wipe out the bulk of the grease first.
Some people keep a dedicated jar or can under the sink for collecting cooking fats. Old coffee cans work great for this. Let the grease cool and harden, then toss the whole thing when it’s full. Way better than sending it down your drain, even with cold water.
It’s not just about your house
And here’s something most people don’t consider—this isn’t just about protecting your own plumbing. When too much fat, oil, and grease (FOG, as plumbers call it) gets into city sewer systems, it can totally overwhelm wastewater treatment plants. The accumulated grease causes problems for entire neighborhoods. So by being careful with how you dispose of cooking fats, you’re actually helping your whole community avoid bigger issues. Does anyone actually think about that when they’re doing dishes? Probably not, but it matters.
The proper washing technique
Let me walk you through the right way to handle a greasy pan. First, let it cool completely—hot grease is super dangerous to work with. Once it’s cooled down, scrape or pour off the grease into your collection container or trash. Then wipe the pan really well with paper towels. You want to get as much residue off as possible before introducing any water at all.
When you finally wash the pan, turn on the cold water and add plenty of dish soap. The soap is actually really important here because it keeps any remaining grease emulsified, kind of suspended in the water so it doesn’t separate out and stick to things. For stubborn spots, sprinkle some baking soda on the pan and scrub with a damp sponge. Baking soda works as a gentle abrasive without scratching most pans. At least that’s been my experience with it.
Special considerations for different cookware
Not all pans are created equal when it comes to cleaning. Cast iron skillets need a totally different approach—you definitely shouldn’t use tons of soap on those because it strips the seasoning. Honestly, cast iron is kind of its own thing. Ceramic pans can be sensitive to abrasive cleaners, so go easy on them. And aluminum pans? Be careful with baking soda on those because it can cause discoloration. Every time I’ve used baking soda on aluminum, I’ve regretted it.
The cold water rule still applies to all of these though. No matter what material your pan is made from, cold water is the way to go when grease is involved. Hot water will still melt that grease and send it into your pipes, which creates the same problems regardless of whether you’re washing cast iron or stainless steel.
What about the dishwasher
Can you put greasy pans in the dishwasher? Well, sort of. You still need to wipe off the bulk of the grease first—otherwise you’re just asking for drainage problems in your dishwasher. And those are a pain to deal with. The dishwasher uses hot water, so any significant amount of grease will melt and potentially cause issues. I’ve noticed that pans come out cleaner when I pre-wipe them anyway, so it’s worth the extra thirty seconds.
Why this matters more than you think
Look, plumbing repairs are expensive. A simple drain cleaning can run you a couple hundred bucks, and if you’ve got a serious blockage deep in your pipes, you could be looking at way more. The last time I had to call a plumber for a clogged drain, it wasn’t cheap. And the whole thing could’ve been avoided if I’d been more careful about grease disposal from the start. But most people don’t think about their pipes until something goes wrong. By then, the damage is already done, and you’re stuck with a hefty bill.
Plus, there’s the environmental angle. When grease builds up in city sewer systems, it can cause sewage backups and overflows. That’s basically raw sewage ending up in places it shouldn’t be—like streets, basements, or even natural waterways. Pretty gross, right? And totally avoidable with better kitchen habits.
Making it a habit
Changing how you wash dishes takes some getting used to. I’ll admit, reaching for the cold water tap instead of hot feels weird at first. But once you do it a few times, it becomes automatic. Keep your grease collection jar visible under the sink so you remember to use it. Stock up on paper towels or save newspapers for wiping pans. These small changes add up to big protection for your plumbing and the environment.
So next time you’re staring down a greasy pan after cooking bacon or frying chicken, remember: cold water is your friend. Wipe first, wash with cold water and plenty of soap, and keep that grease out of your pipes. Your future self—and your wallet—will thank you. And maybe your neighbors too, since you won’t be contributing to sewer system problems. It’s kind of a win all around when you think about it.
