Sewer/Drain Maintenance

Residents and businesses are critical in helping the City of Oakdale's sewer system operate properly by employing strategies to keep drains clean of harmful materials. 

Damaging Products to Sewer Systems

There are a variety of items that cause issues when flushed down drains of sinks and toilets. They disrupt the flow of waste water through the sanitary sewer system which leads to costly maintenance and equipment repairs for the City of Oakdale and other involved agencies. These costs then get passed on to the users – residents and businesses.

Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)

The main items that cause sewer issues are Fats, Oils and Grease – or FOG – that come from cooking; cooking products such as oil, shortening, lard, butter; and food products such as mayonnaise, salad dressings, sour cream, and other foods high in fat.

Other Damaging Items

Other items that cause issues within a sewer system are rags, diapers, paper towels, disposable wipes, sanitary napkins and any other product that should not be flushed down the toilet. Dental floss can also cause significant issues as the strength of floss can remain intact as it makes its way through the sanitary system leading to damage to lift station pumps. 

Impact of Damaging Products on Sewer Systems

FOG, rags and other products in the sewer can lead to backups that can interrupt sewer use, damage property, and damage the overall sewer system. There are thousands of users of the City's sewer system, many of whom are not aware of the impacts of FOG and other items on the system. It is important for all users to be aware of impacts of damaging products in order to reduce potential problems with the City's sewer system. 

FOG Disposal

After cooking, let the FOG cool and harden. Then, throw it away in the garbage. All other damaging items listed above should also be thrown away in the garbage.