As New Jersey residents gather with family and friends to celebrate the start of summer, New Jersey American Water is reminding customers to take simple steps to prevent plumbing problems and conserve water during the busy summer season.

The utility says summer cookouts often generate large amounts of fats, oils, and grease (FOG), which can cause significant plumbing issues when poured down household drains. As grease cools, it can stick to the inside of pipes, leading to clogs, sewer backups, and costly repairs.

“Summer should be about enjoying time with family and friends, not dealing with a backed-up sink or an unexpected repair bill,” said David Forcinito, Vice President of Operations for New Jersey American Water. “After a BBQ, it might be tempting to rinse everything down the drain, but that’s often what causes the problem. Toss grease in the trash, be mindful of your water use, and you can avoid headaches later while helping to protect our water resources.”

To help avoid plumbing issues, the company recommends:

• Allowing grease to cool and solidify before throwing it in the trash.
• Scraping food waste from plates and cookware before rinsing.
• Using sink strainers to prevent food scraps from entering drains.
• Avoiding reliance on garbage disposals, which do not prevent grease buildup.

The reminder comes as water conservation remains a priority across the state. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued a drought warning and continues to urge residents to voluntarily reduce water consumption. New Jersey American Water’s Mandatory Conservation Notice also remains in effect.

The utility encourages customers to:

• Limit lawn watering to no more than twice per week and avoid watering during the hottest parts of the day.
• Turn off faucets when not actively using water while cooking, cleaning, or brushing teeth.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.

Officials say small changes in daily habits can help prevent plumbing emergencies, reduce water bills, and support reliable water service throughout the summer months.

Customers can monitor their water usage through their MyWater account and access additional conservation resources through New Jersey American Water and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.