Grease Trap Perth (interceptors) prevent fats, oils, and greases (FOG) from entering sanitary sewer lines, which could lead to messy sewage backups. Most cities require restaurants to have their grease traps cleaned regularly.
Cleaning a grease trap involves pumping out solids and FOG, usually once every three months. Alternatively, chemical maintenance products can be used. These either liquefy FOG into water or create a bacterial colony to control FOG buildup.
Grease traps are an essential piece of equipment for food service businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, bakeries, schools, and more. They help prevent expensive clogs and backups that can disrupt business operations and lead to sales loss. Additionally, they help protect local sewer systems from grease-related issues that could cause wastewater overflows that threaten city infrastructure.
A typical grease trap works by separating solid waste from the wastewater that goes down your drains. As the wastewater passes through the device, the FOGs will float to the top and the solids will sink to the bottom, where they will be separated. The wastewater will then make its way into the sewage system.
When properly maintained, a grease trap can last for years to come. However, as the FOGs in the trap begin to accumulate and harden, it is important to clean / pump out the trap on a regular basis. This can be done manually or through the use of a chemical maintainer.
Keeping the grease trap pumped out on a regular basis will also help to keep your kitchen drains flowing freely. It will also extend the life of your plumbing components, as grease and FOGs are known to eat through pipe materials.
Another advantage of installing a grease trap is that it will help you comply with local and state regulations regarding wastewater disposal. Without a grease interceptor, your facility may be subject to fines or even business closure if sewage backs up and overflows into the building.
Installing a grease trap can also save your business money in the long run by reducing sewer fees. Since grease traps reduce the amount of FOGs and solids that go into the sewage system, this will significantly lower the overall costs of your business’s sewer bills.
The installation and maintenance of a grease trap can be as simple as putting a floor trap under a three-compartment sink or as complicated as digging a large hole outside the building, lowering a concrete interceptor in it, connecting it to your kitchen pipes and the city sewer lines, and then pouring concrete over the entire thing. In either case, the investment is well worth it in terms of cost-effectiveness and safety.
Grease Trap Installation
FOGs can build up in plumbing systems and clog drains, leading to expensive repairs. The solution is to install grease traps that catch these materials before they reach the municipal sewer system. Restaurants, hotels and other food service businesses should invest in these vital devices to protect their pipes and reduce costly cleanups.
The best place to install a grease trap is beneath sinks in kitchens. The wastewater from dishwashers and sinks runs into the grease trap, which separates the fats, oils and grease (FOG) from the rest of the wastewater. The filtered water then enters the sewer system.
Before beginning the installation process, review local regulations and obtain any required permits for your location. You should also shut off the water supply to prevent any spills or leaks during the grease trap installation. Then, choose a spot for the trap and prepare the area by clearing away any debris and ensuring it is level and dry.
There are two main types of grease traps; passive hydromechanical and automatic. The first is the traditional, manually operated model. It has a cylindrical container with an inlet and outlet. The inlet pipe brings the wastewater into the trap, where baffles separate the FOG from the rest of the water. The cool water then allows the fats, oils and grease to float while the solids sink. The filtered wastewater then passes through the outlet pipe into the sewer system.
The second type of grease trap is an interceptor. It’s usually located underground in an accessible outdoor area. The interceptor has a larger capacity than the traditional trap and requires less maintenance. The most important part of installing an interceptor is choosing the right size to match your facility’s wastewater production and determining how often it will need pumping.
Proper care of your grease traps will help prolong their lifespan and improve their performance. Schedule regular cleanings and inspections to identify any issues or potential problems. Keep an eye out for any signs of damage or wear, such as dented walls or dislodged lids. Also, be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents, which can emulsify the FOG and lead to blockages.
Grease Trap Maintenance
Performing regular grease trap cleanings reduces the risk of blockages and costly repairs. It also helps keep your kitchen running smoothly and avoids foul-smelling odors. Additionally, consistent inspections allow you to spot problems before they escalate into a major problem that requires professional plumbers to resolve.
During cleaning, it is important to carefully inspect the baffles, air relief valve, and other internal trap parts to ensure they are in good condition. It is also important to refill the trap with fresh water to the proper level after cleaning and before putting it back into service. You should also properly dispose of any evacuated grease and solids according to local regulations.
To clean a grease trap, begin by scraping off any large pieces of fats, oils, and grease from the lid and sides of the trap. Next, use a steel pot scrubber and soapy water to thoroughly clean the trap. Once the majority of grease waste is removed, use a shop vacuum to suck out any remaining odor-causing substances. Afterwards, flush the trap with clean water and wipe down its parts.
It is important to keep a log of each cleaning and inspection, which can help you identify any problems that need to be addressed promptly. This documentation can also be useful for compliance with local regulatory requirements. For example, if you notice that the drains are backing up or the grease trap is overflowing, this indicates that there is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
Commercial kitchens generate a lot of waste, including food and cooking oil. When these materials are not properly disposed of, they can cause plumbing issues in your restaurant that could lead to hefty fines from the city. This is why it’s crucial to hire a qualified company for your restaurant’s grease trap cleaning and maintenance.
A qualified company can perform routine maintenance and inspections of your grease trap to keep it in top working condition. They can also provide a range of additional services, such as line-jetting, which uses a pressurized hose to blast away clogs in the incoming and outgoing lines and in the crossover line that connects two separate compartments.
Grease Trap Replacement
As any restaurateur knows, a grease trap is an essential part of kitchen plumbing. It’s important to keep your grease trap in good condition. However, it’s also important to understand when it’s time to replace your grease trap. If you wait too long, your restaurant will be in danger of violating health codes and suffering expensive repairs.
Often, repair and replacement costs are not covered under warranty. Even if you follow your vendor’s suggested maintenance schedule for cleaning and pumping, problems can arise. Eventually, the baffles—the pieces of metal or plastic that control water flow within the trap—will degrade, and you will need to have them replaced. This can be costly, especially if you’re a large establishment that needs to have the baffles replaced in multiple areas.
Another sign that it’s time to replace your grease trap is a frequent need for pumping. A damaged grease trap can allow fats, oils and greases (FOG) to combine with solid waste and build up in the tank. This will require the trap to be pumped more frequently, and it may become less effective over time.
If your grease trap is not emptied regularly, you can also experience leakage. This will allow FOG to reach the sewer system, where it will cause clogs and blockages. The resulting odor can be extremely unpleasant for your customers and staff.
The best way to avoid these problems is to have your grease trap regularly inspected and cleaned. A professional can help you determine the size and type of grease trap that will best meet your business’s needs. They can also install a hydromechanical grease interceptor to manage the flow of kitchen wastewater and force it through a baffle that separates and collects FOG.
Although a grease trap is an investment, it is a necessity for any foodservice business. It can reduce your risk of violations and improve the quality of your kitchen’s wastewater. By keeping up with cleaning and maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your grease trap and avoid costly repairs down the road. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a free estimate.
