Orlando, FL · plumbing problem
Drains backing up in Orlando
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
In Orlando, grease poured down drains builds up in your own sewer line and in the city's sewer, which runs more than 800 miles; left alone, those blockages cause sewer overflows. One slow drain is usually a local clog; several backing up together means the main line. The city runs a used cooking oil recycling program so grease never has to go down the drain.
What's different in Orlando
The City of Orlando's Grease Management Program works to limit oil and grease in more than 800 miles of public sanitary sewer lines. [1]
Pouring grease and oil down the drain can cause buildup in your own sewer lines as well as the city sewer, and untreated blockages cause sanitary sewer overflows. [1]
A used cooking oil recycling program lets residents recycle cooking oil instead of pouring it down the drain. [1]
Symptoms
- Kitchen sink drains slowly or backs into the other bowl.
- Shower or tub water rises when the washer drains.
- Gurgling toilets, then a backup at the lowest fixture.
What not to do
- Don't pour boiling water and soap down a grease clog; it moves the grease farther down where it re-hardens.
- Don't use chemical drain openers on a main line backup.
- Don't keep flushing to 'push it through'.
Professional fixes
| Finding | Fix |
|---|---|
| Grease in the kitchen branch | Hydro jetting |
| Main line blockage | Cable from the cleanout, then a camera inspection |
| Roots or a broken lateral | Sewer line repair |
You may also be dealing with
- SymptomSink not draining
- SymptomGurgling drains
- SymptomBasement flooding
- GuideWhy does my drain keep clogging?
Common questions
How big is Orlando's sewer system?
The city maintains more than 800 miles of public sanitary sewer lines.
Can grease clog my own Orlando sewer line?
Yes; the city notes grease builds up in your lines as well as the public sewer.
Where can I recycle cooking oil in Orlando?
Through the city's used cooking oil recycling program.
What happens if a grease blockage isn't cleared?
It can cause a sanitary sewer overflow.
Does hot water and dish soap clear grease clogs?
It moves grease farther down where it hardens again.
Why does my Orlando shower back up when the washer runs?
The main line is likely partly blocked downstream of both.
Are chemical drain openers safe for a main clog?
No; they rarely reach it and make the line hazardous to open.
When should an Orlando drain be camera inspected?
When backups return after cleaning.
Does Florida's heavy rain cause drain backups?
Storms can surcharge sewers, but repeat backups in dry weather point to your own line.
Is jetting safe for older Orlando pipes?
Usually, after a camera check confirms the pipe is sound.
More plumbing help in Orlando
How other cities handle it
- Drains backing up in BoiseWhy drains back up in Boise homes: grease is the city's top cause of sewer clogs, older neighborhoods are most at risk, and what to check before calling.
- Drains backing up in HoustonWhy Houston drains back up: grease and wipes cause 70% of the city's sewer overflows, and overflows double when it turns cold. Symptoms, safe checks and fixes.
- Drains backing up in Los AngelesWhy LA drains back up: grease in kitchen lines and the city's 6,600 miles of sewer, the FOG program that cut overflows 94%, and what to check before calling.
- Drains backing up in San AntonioWhy San Antonio drains back up: grease causes nearly 70% of local sewer blockages, the surprising sources of it, safe checks, and how to get rid of grease.
- Drains backing up in PhiladelphiaWhy Philadelphia drains back up: grease hardens in the lateral connecting homes to the sewer, sewage backs into houses, and how PWD says to dispose of it.
- Drains backing up in SeattleWhy Seattle drains back up: grease causes about a third of the city's sewer backups, the foods it comes from, safe checks, and when it's the side sewer instead.
Sources (1)
- City of Orlando Water Reclamation, Grease Management Program · checked 2026-10-03