How to Care for a Restaurant Grease Trap
Regular cleaning and maintenance are vital for the longevity of any appliance, including a grease trap.
Restaurants and other food-related commercial establishments have grease traps, whether a small device near the sink or a large trap located outdoors. These plumbing devices catch all the grease, fats, and oils that go down the drain, preventing them from entering the wastewater system.
Like other appliances, grease traps require regular maintenance. So let's discuss what every commercial kitchen owner needs to know about caring for their grease trap.
Why is grease trap maintenance necessary?
Clogged or broken grease traps can result in the following issues:
Environmental pollution
Foul odors detrimental to business traffic
Clogs that may cause kitchen floods
Health and safety concerns lead to problems with the authorities
Restaurant owners must contact reliable plumbing services as soon as they suspect their grease trap may need servicing.
How to care for restaurant grease trap
Here's how to ensure the grease trap system is always working correctly.
Ensure proper installation
Grease trap installation is not a light matter. Correct installation will ensure efficient operations. One should constantly monitor a recently installed grease trap to ensure it's doing its job. Also, contact repair services if there's no sign of grease in the trap after a few days.
Careful food disposal
The first step to protect the grease trap is paying attention to the disposal of grease, fats, and oils within the establishment. Before washing plates and containers, employees should scrape them well to remove as much grease as possible. Food waste must never enter the grease trap, or the system will get clogged or break down.
Install screens
It's impossible to prevent every bit of food from going down the drain. For that reason, installing screens in the kitchen is highly recommended. In addition, the sinks, the floor drains, and the dishwasher should all have filters.
Don't DIY
Cleaning restaurant grease traps requires expertise, so don't try a DIY fix. Popular cleaning products only sometimes solve the issue. The grease may end up in the wastewater system and create clogs further down the line. Some states also prohibit the use of these substances. Calling professionals is the only way to get the grease trap cleaned adequately.
Schedule maintenance for the grease trap
Regular cleaning and maintenance are vital for the longevity of any appliance, including a grease trap. Professionals recommend having the device cleaned when it is about two-thirds full.
Signs such as foul smells, blocked pipes, and significant grease in the trap indicate that it's time for cleaning. If that's the case, seek out plumbers who offer grease trap maintenance services. Also, contact professionals familiar with the local health, safety, and environmental laws and regulations.
With over 25 years of experience, American Discount Plumbing has offered expert plumbing service and repair in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding cities at affordable rates for both residential and commercial properties. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company offering 24-hour emergency service. We provide lasting general plumbing, water leak detection and repair, toilet repair, pipe repair, and water heater repair or replacement solutions. Call 602-883-2787 today!
