Otsego Utilities Fact:

Fire hydrants are made up of more than 50 individual parts and require regular lubrication to stay in good working condition. They’re also designed with a safety feature that allows them to break away if hit by a vehicle. Otsego has more than 1,300 fire hydrants throughout the City.

Keep FOG Out of the Pipes!

Fats, oils, and grease—often called FOG—are the biggest troublemakers in our sewer system. When poured down the drain, FOG can build up over time, clogging pipes and causing messy sewer backups, spills, and even home or business flooding.

The best way to handle FOG: CAN IT. COOL IT. TOSS IT.

Pour grease into an empty can.
Let it cool.
Throw it away with your regular trash.

For greasy pans, pour leftover grease into a container and wipe out the rest with a paper towel. For liquid oils, limit disposal to ½ gallon or less. Mix with an absorbent material (like kitty litter or coffee grounds) in a sealable container before tossing.

To help keep your drains fresh, try this simple cleaning tip:
Pour ½ cup of baking soda, followed by ½ cup of white vinegar down the drain. Wait 10–15 minutes, then rinse with hot water.

For more tips on preventing sewer clogs, visit the City of Otsego Utilities
webpage.