FOG Wastewater: Why It’s an Issue and How In-Pipe Technology Provides Effective Solutions
- In-Pipe Technology
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Understanding FOG Wastewater
FOG wastewater refers to wastewater that contains high levels of Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG). These materials originate from restaurants, commercial kitchens, food processors, industrial facilities, and residential sources.
When FOG wastewater enters sewer systems, hot grease cools, solidifies, and builds up along pipe walls — eventually leading to sewer blockages, pump failures, sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), odors, and costly infrastructure damage.
For municipalities and industrial wastewater clients, ignoring FOG wastewater is not an option. According to wastewater industry findings, FOG is responsible for up to 40%–50% of all sewer backups nationwide, creating environmental hazards and expensive emergency response events. Because of this, FOG wastewater must be managed proactively, not reactively — and that's where In-Pipe Technology’s approach changes the game.
Why FOG Wastewater Is a Growing Problem
The increase in dining, food production, and commercial development has heightened the volume of FOG wastewater entering sewer systems every day. When FOG wastewater is left untreated, municipalities face:
🚨 Sewer Damage & Infrastructure Wear
Clogged lines restrict flow and cause backups. Hydrogen sulfide gas — produced when FOG wastewater decays anaerobically — corrodes concrete, steel, pumps, and lift stations.
🌎 Environmental & Public Health Risks
Untreated FOG wastewater can overflow into streets, stormwater systems, and waterways. This releases pathogens, nutrients, and grease into natural ecosystems, harming aquatic life and degrading water quality.
💸 Increased Operating Costs
Cities spend hundreds of thousands — sometimes millions — annually on jetting, pipe cleaning, grease interceptor maintenance, pump repair, and chemical dosing to address FOG wastewater. Without prevention, this cost only escalates.
👃 Odor Problems
FOG breakdown produces hydrogen sulfide — the “rotten egg” odor that generates public complaints and regulatory attention. Managing FOG wastewater at the source helps stop odor before it starts.
How Traditional Wastewater Systems Handle FOG Wastewater — And Why It Fails
Conventional approaches to FOG wastewater include:
Pumping and manual pipe jetting
Grease traps and interceptors for businesses
Chemical additives to dissolve grease
Public education such as “Do not pour grease down drains”
These tactics help — but only temporarily. They treat FOG wastewater AFTER it has already entered the system, meaning municipalities remain trapped in a cycle of reactive maintenance.
The In-Pipe Technology Solution: Treat FOG Wastewater at the Source
In-Pipe Technology offers an innovative, upstream approach to FOG wastewater that prevents buildup before it becomes a problem. Rather than waiting until FOG reaches the treatment plant, In-Pipe introduces patented microbial blends into the sewer system itself.
🧪 Microbial Bioaugmentation
With continuous dosing, beneficial microbes are added to pipelines where FOG wastewater originates.
These microbes:
Consume fats, oils, and grease biologically
Stop solidification before it starts
Reduce sludge and organic loading
Neutralize odor-causing compounds
This natural biological digestion transforms FOG wastewater into simpler compounds like water and carbon dioxide — protecting infrastructure and lowering operating costs.
⚙️ Reduced Plant Burden and Sludge Formation
Because In-Pipe treats FOG wastewater upstream, less organic material reaches the plant.
This:
Lowers sludge production
Improves BOD and COD performance
Reduces energy and chemical consumption
Supports compliance and permit success
💰 Measurable ROI
Cities using In-Pipe Technology have recorded a 37% sludge reduction (Crown Point, Indiana case study) and a significant drop in odor and emergency maintenance — demonstrating financial and operational benefits when managing FOG wastewater proactively.
How to Properly Maintain FOG Wastewater Systems
For long-term success, municipalities should adopt a layered strategy:
Prevent | Monitor | Treat |
Require grease trap maintenance | Track fats, oils & grease levels | Use In-Pipe’s microbial dosing |
Educate food establishments | Measure hydrogen sulfide output | Apply oxidation systems at lift stations |
Enforce disposal regulations | Inspect high-FOG zones quarterly | Partner with In-Pipe for ongoing optimization |
Proactive prevention paired with In-Pipe’s upstream microbial treatment is the most effective way to manage FOG wastewater sustainably.
FOG Wastewater Can Be Controlled — Sustainably
FOG wastewater poses a serious threat to sewer infrastructure, public health, and municipal budgets — but it can be effectively controlled. Rather than relying on costly, reactive maintenance, municipalities and industrial clients can leverage In-Pipe Technology’s microbial and advanced oxidation strategies to treat FOG wastewater where it originates.
By protecting pipes, improving treatment plant efficiency, and reducing long-term costs, In-Pipe Technology is the partner of choice for sustainable FOG wastewater management.
👉 Learn more: www.in-pipe.com