FOG: More Than Just a Blockage Problem

In the wastewater industry, FOG stands for fats, oils and grease. Most people think of it as a blockage problem, and it is: FOG is one of the leading causes of sewer blockages and overflows. But it’s also behind a lot of the odour and sludge problems in wastewater infrastructure.

How FOG builds up

FOG goes down drains as a warm liquid, then cools and solidifies as it moves through the system. It sticks to pipe walls, collects in pump wells and wet wells, and forms thick mats on the surface of tanks. Over time it combines with other material to form hard deposits sometimes called “fatbergs”.

The problems it causes

Restriction: pipes narrow and pumps work harder.
Sludge: FOG adds to the solids load in tanks and treatment plants.
Odour: FOG is food for odour-producing bacteria, especially once conditions turn anaerobic.
Cost: more frequent jetting, pump-outs and maintenance.

Removing it vs breaking it down

The traditional approach is mechanical: pump it out, jet it off, scrape it away. That’s sometimes necessary, but the FOG keeps coming back. A biological approach helps break down the organic material in place, so less of it builds up in the first place.

ProPower’s probiotic microbes digest fats, oils and grease and reduce the odour that comes with them. Used as part of a regular maintenance program, it can help reduce blockages, sludge and odour across pipes, pump stations and tanks.