Raleighnc.gov logo
Thank you for printing this page from the City of Raleigh's Official Website (www.raleighnc.gov)
https://raleighnc.gov/water-and-sewer/services/raleigh-waters-fats-oils-and-grease-program
01/28/2026 5:16 pm

Raleigh Water's Fats, Oils, and Grease Program

Simple actions, shared responsibility, and a healthier sewer system for our whole community

Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Jump To:

 
Supporting Businesses That Use Pretreatment Systems Small Habits That Make a Big Difference Helping Property Managers Educate and Support Residents Join the Effort—Getting Started Is Easy

When fats, oils, and grease (FOG) go down the drain, they don’t just disappear. Over time, they can stick to pipes, build up, and cause sewer backups and overflows that affect homes, businesses, and neighborhoods.

That’s why Raleigh Water works side by side with the community—residents, business owners, and property managers—to help keep our sewer system working the way it should. With a few easy habits and the right tools, we can all help protect Raleigh’s water.
 

Supporting Businesses That Use Pretreatment Systems

FOG_WEBPAGE

Some businesses naturally create grease-laden wastewater—and that’s expected. What matters most is having the right pretreatment system in place to keep grease out of the sanitary sewer system.

Pretreatment systems are required for:

  • Food service establishments
    Any commercial building with a kitchen or food preparation area where grease-laden waste enters the sanitary sewer.
  • Vehicle maintenance facilities
    Locations where vehicles are serviced, repaired, greased, or washed, including auto repair shops, engine repair shops, car washes, and rental equipment wash facilities.

Before submitting commercial building plans for new buildings, additions, changes of use, alterations, or interior completions, applicants must receive pretreatment system approval. Raleigh Water’s pretreatment coordinator reviews each system to ensure it’s properly sized and suited for the type of work being done.

This process helps businesses avoid future issues while protecting shared infrastructure we all rely on.

Small Habits That Make a Big Difference

Keeping FOG out of the drain doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small changes in daily routines can go a long way toward preventing clogs and sewer overflows.

Easy tips that really help:

  • Wipe first, then wash.
    Use a paper towel to wipe grease from dishes, pans, and surfaces before washing, and throw it in the trash.
  • Skip wet cleanup for grease.
    Sponges and mops usually get rinsed in the sink, sending grease straight into the sewer.
  • Keep grease out of the garbage disposal.
    Even when a grease trap is present, disposals aren’t designed to handle FOG.
  • Collect grease for reuse or disposal.
    Pour cooled grease into a can, let it solidify, and reuse it when possible—or place it in the garbage.

It may not seem like much, but small amounts of FOG add up quickly when they’re washed down the drain.

Helping Property Managers Educate and Support Residents

FOG_Webpage

Property managers play an important role in keeping plumbing systems working smoothly—and Raleigh Water is here to support you.

The Property Manager’s Resource Kit is designed to make sharing FOG-prevention information easy, practical, and tenant-friendly.

Each kit includes:

  • Pan scrapers
  • Grease-collection can lids
  • Easy-to-understand brochures
  • Short educational videos

Raleigh Water provides enough supplies to help you get started, along with a link to order customizable lids and scrapers so you can continue sharing the message with new residents over time.

Clear communication helps reduce plumbing problems, save on maintenance costs, and create healthier living spaces for everyone.

Join the Effort—Getting Started Is Easy

Interested in receiving a Property Manager’s Resource Kit or learning more about preventing FOG-related issues?

📧 Send an email, or
📞 Call 919-996-2334 to get started.

Simple ways to use the kit:

  • Share the brochure link with all residents
  • Send the educational video quarterly as a friendly reminder
  • Include FOG information in new-resident welcome packets

When we work together, small actions can make a big difference—helping keep Raleigh’s water clean, our pipes clear, and our community flowing smoothly.

Contact

 

Raleigh Water 
Customer Care and Billing
919-996-3245 (24/7). Press 2 for further instructions.

Subscribe

 
Back to Water and Sewer
Lead Department:
Water
Service Categories:
Sewer Maintenance