Fatbergs: The Disgusting (and Very Real) Consequence of Bad Drain Habits

Every year, cities pull massive, concrete-hard masses of grease, wet wipes, and waste from their sewer lines. These are fatbergs, and they’re not just a municipal problem. They start in homes and businesses, one greasy pan or “flushable” wipe at a time. If you’ve ever dealt with slow drains, sewage backups, or needed sewer repair in Atlantic City, NJ, a fatberg may have already been forming quietly beneath your feet.

What Exactly Is a Fatberg?

A fatberg forms when fats, oils, and grease (FOG) mix with non-biodegradable items inside sewer pipes. The grease coats pipe walls and hardens. Wipes, cotton swabs, and food scraps get tangled in it. Over time, the mass grows.

The Everyday Items Quietly Wrecking Sewer Pipes

Most fatberg contributors don’t look dangerous at first glance. Here’s what commonly ends up in drains and toilets:

• Cooking oil, bacon grease, and butter
• “Flushable” wipes (they don’t actually break down)
• Paper towels and cotton balls
• Food scraps from rinsing plates
• Hygiene products and dental floss

Atlantic City is home to tens of thousands of residents, and every household, hotel, and restaurant connected to the same sewer system plays a role in what builds up underground.

Signs You May Have a Buildup Problem

Pipe buildup doesn’t announce itself loudly. You’ll usually notice:

• Drains that gurgle or drain slowly
• Recurring clogs in the same fixture
• Sewage odors coming from sinks or floor drains
• Multiple drains backing up at once

That last one is particularly telling. When more than one fixture is affected, the blockage is likely deep in the main line.

How to Break the Fatberg Cycle

Prevention is simpler than the cleanup. A few habits make a real difference:

• Wipe greasy pans with paper towels before washing
• Let cooking oil cool, then dispose of it in the trash
• Use drain screens in sinks and tub drains
• Only flush toilet paper, nothing else

For commercial kitchens and restaurants, grease traps are a smart line of defense.

Questions We Often Get About Drain Buildup

Can hot water dissolve grease in pipes?

Temporarily, yes. But the grease re-solidifies further down the line, often causing blockages deeper in the system where they’re harder to reach.

Are enzyme drain cleaners safe to use regularly?

Enzyme-based cleaners are a low-risk option, but they’re not a substitute for professional drain cleaning. They work slowly on organic buildup and won’t touch grease that’s already hardened. Chemical drain cleaners are a harder no, especially in older pipes, where repeated use can cause corrosion.

How often should drain lines be professionally cleaned?

For residential properties, every 18 to 24 months is a reasonable baseline. Commercial kitchens or high-use facilities may need it every 3 to 6 months.

What’s the difference between a clog and a fatberg?

A clog is typically a localized blockage. A fatberg is a hardened accumulation that can span several feet of pipe and requires mechanical removal or hydro jetting to break apart.

Save Your Sewer from a Disaster

When buildup has already taken hold, home remedies won’t cut it. We’ve been keeping New Jersey drain systems clean since 1993, serving both residential and commercial clients with warrantied work and a satisfaction guarantee. Our highly trained plumbers use professional-grade equipment to clear lines the right way, and we’re available for emergency plumbing when the situation can’t wait.

Don’t let buildup become a bigger problem. Call Barron Plumbing & Heating today.