Every restaurant, tavern, or other food service business that produces a lot of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) must have a grease trap. These traps must be pumped regularly to ensure that the waste does not clog the drain lines.

Traditional gravity grease interceptors are installed outside and require digging a large hole, lowering the concrete interceptor by crane, and connecting it to the kitchen plumbing and sewer line. However, newer hydro-mechanical grease traps can be installed in fixtures and are much more cost-effective. Contact Grease Trap Perth now!

Grease is a highly viscous substance that solidifies as it travels down drains, causing blockages, costly sewage backups, and overflows. Consequently, many municipalities require restaurants to install grease traps and fine establishments that do not comply with the laws. The cost of a grease trap varies, depending on the size of the system and its installation. A professional plumbing contractor will be able to assess your needs and recommend an appropriate solution.

A commercial kitchen produces much grease waste that cannot be disposed of in a normal sewer system. Therefore, a grease trap is installed to intercept the fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that escape from sinks and cooking equipment and enter the drainage system. FOG causes expensive damage to pipe drains and sewerage systems, resulting in maintenance costs for city wastewater agencies. To avoid these issues, it is essential to have your grease trap inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent blockages, clogs, and overflows.

The costs of a grease trap depend on the type and size of the device, as well as how often it is pumped out. Larger, more efficient commercial grease traps can hold thousands of gallons of food waste, making them more expensive than smaller units. In addition, larger traps may need to be buried underground or located outside. There are also different types of traps, including mechanical and hydro mechanical. Mechanical grease traps have motors that skim the waste on a daily basis, while hydro mechanical units are cleaned manually by scraping the food solids off the top of the trap.

Ideally, grease traps should be cleaned before they reach the one-fourth full point. This level is considered unsafe by most municipal wastewater agencies. Regular cleanings of the trap can prevent the buildup of hardened grease, reduce the acid content in the trap, and help you stay compliant with local regulations.

When choosing a service provider to clean your grease trap, look for a company that offers several pumping methods. Some companies offer a “pump and return” service, where the trap is pumped out and the separated gray water is returned to the trap. Other providers offer a dry pump option, where the entire contents of the trap are removed and hauled away.

Installation

A grease trap is a piece of equipment that functions by intercepting and separating FOG from wastewater, allowing cleaner water to flow through drainage pipes. This prevents clogs, which can damage plumbing and cause disruption to the community and environment. It also helps protect restaurants from costly repairs and fines due to non-compliance with regulations.

Before installation, a professional conducts a site evaluation to determine the best location for the grease interceptor and its optimal size. This includes factors like the establishment’s daily FOG output, plumbing setup, and available space. It is also necessary to understand the plumbing codes and restrictions that apply to the restaurant industry.

There are many different types of grease traps available in the market, from small versions that connect to individual sinks to large in-ground units that serve a whole facility. A common type is a passive trap, which relies on the natural buoyancy of the grease to separate it from wastewater. A more advanced option is a hydro-mechanical grease trap, which uses internal baffle walls to enhance the separation process and reduce maintenance costs.

Regardless of the type of grease interceptor chosen, regular maintenance and cleaning are essential for optimum performance. If left unchecked, the FOG can solidify, leading to blockages and reducing the capture capacity of the trap. It is important to educate staff on proper disposal practices and to regularly clean kitchen drains that lead into the grease trap.

Another important step in ensuring that the grease trap is working effectively is to monitor the trap’s function and performance. This involves observing for leaks and checking the condition of the seals, as well as logging maintenance activities. It is also crucial to maintain the appropriate temperature inside the trap. If the grease is too hot, it will solidify and clog the drains.

To avoid these problems, the trap should be regularly flushed with hot water. This will remove any accumulated food scraps and grease that has accumulated in the trap. In addition, it is a good idea to train staff on the signs that indicate when the trap needs to be cleaned.

Maintenance

Grease traps keep fats, oils, and grease (FOG) in kitchen wastewater from entering the sanitary sewer, where it can cause blockages and backups. They also help prevent these substances from damaging sewer lines, which can cost business owners in repair costs. However, it is crucial to maintain these devices properly to ensure they function as intended. If not cleaned regularly, they can become clogged and cause unpleasant odors and waste buildup. In addition, improper maintenance can result in expensive and time-consuming repairs to sewer lines.

The best way to prevent a grease trap from becoming clogged is to empty it on a regular basis. However, if you do not have the time or resources to perform this task yourself, you can hire a professional to clean your grease trap. This service can be performed either onsite or offsite, and includes disposal of the waste at licensed facilities. A professional will be familiar with local, state, and federal guidelines regarding the cleaning, maintenance, and disposal of grease traps.

Before you remove the grease trap’s lid, it is important to protect the gaskets that seal it. Doing so will save you from having to replace the lid when it becomes damaged during the removal process. It is also a good idea to take pictures or draw a diagram of the trap’s parts so that you can remember where everything is when it comes time to re-install them.

You should also avoid using hot water or chemical cleaners to clean your grease trap. The heat and chemicals can liquify the FOG, causing it to pass through the drain into the sewer system. Instead, use a biological cleaning solution that is gentle on the environment and safe for your commercial kitchen.

Keeping your grease trap in good condition will reduce the risk of costly repairs and keep your restaurant running smoothly. If your grease trap is no longer functioning well, it may be time to replace it. Contact a professional plumber to discuss your options and schedule an inspection. They can provide you with a free estimate and recommend the right solution for your needs.

Troubleshooting

Grease traps help keep food waste and grease out of your pipes, sewer lines, and septic tanks. But, like any other piece of equipment, they can have issues that need to be addressed promptly. If left unchecked, these problems can cause clogs that interfere with your restaurant’s normal operations. If your grease trap is experiencing these issues, you should call a professional plumber to get it fixed.

One of the most common issues is a clogged crossover line. When grease and sludge build up in the crossover line between your restaurant’s two trap compartments, it can cause wastewater to back up into kitchen drains. This can lead to a messy cleanup and costly repairs for your plumbing system. The solution is to have a full cleaning of your grease trap. This process includes pumping all of the sludge and grease out of the trap and scrubbing down both compartments. It also involves flushing the incoming line and sludge storage tank.

Another issue is a blocked inlet pipe or outlet pipe. This is typically caused by a large amount of cooking oil that has made its way into the drainage pipes. The oil will harden as it cools, which can create a blockage in your grease trap’s inlet or outlet pipe. It is important to educate your staff on proper grease and food waste disposal practices. They should never pour hot, used cooking oil down your drains. This will not only cause clogs and slow drainage, but it will also lead to the release of foul odors into your dining room.

A leaking gasket is another problem that can affect your grease trap’s operation. It can occur if the grease trap’s gasket piping is broken or not installed properly. This can lead to leaking grease and gas into your restaurant’s dining area. This is a simple fix, but it’s important to call your grease trap vendor right away.

A faulty grease trap can disrupt your business and cause health code violations. To avoid these problems, you should have a professional install or repair your grease trap regularly. A plumber can also help you monitor your trap and address any problems that may arise.