Grease traps (also called grease interceptors) prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering commercial kitchens and the sanitary sewer system. They are typically located indoors or outdoors and resemble maintenance hole covers or septic tank-like structures. Contact Grease Trap Perth now!
Avoid using bleach, surfactants, or emulsifiers to clean your grease trap. They can kill the natural bacteria that feed on FOG, leading to blockages.
Grease traps, also known as grease interceptors or FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) traps, are receptacles that kitchen wastewater flows through before it enters the municipal sewer waste system. They are simple devices but have a big job to do: They protect the plumbing systems of restaurants and other establishments with long pipe runs from grease that could otherwise block internal pipes, leading to expensive repairs and downtime.
Greasy wastewater poured down drains can solidify as it travels through the pipes, causing clogs, backups, and even flooding. Fats, oils, and grease are lighter than water and will float on top of the wastewater. The FOG will eventually be washed into the municipal sewer system, where it can cause problems for everyone’s plumbing and even affect the local wastewater treatment plant and the city’s public water supply.
A properly functioning grease trap will collect and filter FOG from the wastewater, separating it from the rest of the water. This process is done by slowing down the wastewater through baffle walls and then cooling the water down so that the fats, oils and grease will begin to solidify and separate from the rest of the water. The separated grease is then drained away into a holding tank or septic tank for proper disposal.
The grease trap should be cleaned/pumped out on a regular basis to keep it working properly. Depending on the size of the trap and the amount of wastewater it processes, the frequency may be anywhere from every two weeks to once per month. It’s important to use the right kind of cleaning fluids to avoid damaging the trap and allowing FOG to bypass the trap into the sewer system.
Keeping a grease trap clean can also help to extend the life of the unit, reducing the amount of time between cleanings. However, a damaged or undersized trap will not function as intended, and may need to be replaced or rebuilt. This is why it’s so important to have the right type of grease trap for your establishment and to maintain it on a regular basis.
Types of Grease Traps
Grease traps are essential for restaurants, hotels, malls and a range of establishments with commercial kitchens. They help to prevent blockages in sewage lines caused by grease, which can result in costly repairs and fines. By separating fats, oils and grease from wastewater, they also reduce foul odors.
There are several different types of grease interceptors, each designed to suit a specific purpose. These include passive hydromechanical, automatic, and gravity traps. Passive hydromechanical grease traps are the most common type of grease interceptor and use a system of baffles to slow down the flow of wastewater, which allows the less dense grease to rise to the top while solids settle at the bottom. The separated clear water then escapes through the outlet baffle.
The more FOG that enters the wastewater system, the more frequently a grease trap/grease interceptor needs to be pumped out. Ideally, the trap should be pumped out before it reaches a quarter of its capacity. This not only helps to keep foul odors at bay, but it ensures that the grease interceptor is working effectively, preventing FOG from entering the sewage system.
In addition to regularly pumping the trap, it’s important to have a schedule in place for cleaning and maintenance. This will help to identify any issues quickly, allowing them to be addressed before they become more serious problems. Regular training for staff is also crucial to ensuring that they are aware of the importance of proper FOG management and are doing their part to prevent issues from occurring in the first place.
It’s also vital to make sure that the right size grease trap/grease interceptor is in place. A poorly sized trap will not be able to adequately separate FOG from the wastewater and could potentially damage downstream plumbing. For example, if a grease trap is too large, the food waste will have time to break down and produce toxic gasses such as hydrogen sulfide. This can corrode mild steel and concrete materials, leading to structural damage and creating a hazardous waste problem. Similarly, an interceptor that is too small will be ineffective at preventing FOG from entering the sewer system and may even cause a blockage.
Cleaning Grease Traps
Grease traps are essential to foodservice establishments, reducing the amount of fats, oils and greases (FOGS) that enter sewer systems. However, they need to be cleaned regularly to keep them running smoothly. Failing to clean a grease trap can lead to foul odors, clogged drain lines and even fines from inspectors. This is why it’s important to understand how a grease trap works and how to clean one effectively.
Grease trap cleaning should be done every 1-3 months, depending on usage. Before beginning the cleaning process, it’s crucial to put on rubber gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any splashes or chemical spills. Next, shut off the equipment connected to the grease trap and turn off the water supply. Using a plastic scraper or spatula, remove all solidified fats, oils and greases from the trap and dispose of them in heavy-duty trash bags. You should also empty the grease trap of any accumulated water by pouring a gallon of water into it and inspecting it to make sure there are no blockages.
Once the grease trap is empty, clean the inner components with a steel pot scrubber and soapy water. Be sure to wear long, rubber gloves and be careful not to scratch or damage the inside of the trap. After washing, rinse the trap with clean water to remove any remaining soap.
While it’s important to clean a grease trap regularly, it’s also vital to prevent grease from getting into the sewer system in the first place. This can be achieved by educating employees on proper food preparation and disposal, and by installing strainers or filters in sinks to help reduce the amount of FOGS that goes down the drain. It’s also a good idea to invest in a high-quality grease-fighting product and use it regularly to break down FOGS and remove them from the drain line.
If you’re unsure how to properly clean a grease trap or would like to save time and money, consider hiring a professional. Professional grease trap cleaners have the tools and knowledge necessary to perform the task quickly and efficiently. They can also help you identify any potential problems with your trap and offer solutions.
Maintenance of Grease Traps
If you want to keep your kitchen grease trap functioning well, it must be cleaned regularly. This will minimize foul odors, prevent the grease from backing up into your sinks and sewer system, and help prevent clogs and overflows. It will also ensure that your business stays in compliance with local, state, and federal laws regarding wastewater.
The best way to clean a grease trap is to use a high-powered professional drain cleaner. This will eliminate the need for chemical solvents and other dangerous substances, which may have detrimental effects on the environment and human health. Alternatively, you can use a specialized hose with powerful jets to clean out your grease trap. Be sure to wear protective clothing and rubber gloves when using this method.
Another option is to clean a grease trap with cold water. This will cause the fats, oils, and grease to float to the surface, making them easier to remove with a shop vac. If you choose to do this, be sure to remove the grease tank cover with caution – a delicate gasket can be damaged if you try to lift it off without proper technique.
Regardless of which cleaning method you choose, it is important to clean your grease trap on a regular basis. If you skip too many cleanings, the grease will harden and become more difficult to remove. This can lead to a less-efficient trap, increased pumping costs, and even sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs).
Grease interceptors and traps are vitally important for restaurants and businesses that prepare food. They help keep FOG out of the sewer waste system, where it can block lines and cause expensive backups. Almost all cities and towns require that locations that prepare food install and maintain grease traps and interceptors to prevent these problems. Understanding the differences between these two types of grease traps can help you make a better choice when selecting a model for your establishment. Choosing the right type of grease trap can also save you money in the long run by reducing pumping costs and maintenance costs.