What is a grease trap? And why it's important.

A restaurant grease trap is a device that's installed between your sink and the sewer line. Its purpose is to intercept fats, oils, and grease before they can enter the sewer system. Fats, oils, and grease can solidify in the sewer pipes and cause blockages. They can also clog pumps and other treatment equipment at the sewage treatment plant. Restaurant grease traps come in a variety of sizes and designs to fit the needs of different businesses. Many restaurants choose to install automatic grease traps that require little maintenance. However, all grease traps must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent them from becoming overloaded and overflowing into the sewer system.

Tips on How to Clean a Grease Trap

Grease traps can quickly become filled with grease and Solid Waste if they are not cleaned on a regular basis. The following are some tips for cleaning a grease trap:

• Empty the trap regularly. Depending on the size of the trap, this may need to be done every week or every month.
• Use hot water and soap to break down the grease.
• Add enzymes to the trap to help break down the grease.
• Have the trap professionally cleaned every 3-6 months. The frequency of cleaning your restaurant grease traps will vary.

Cleaning a grease trap is not difficult, but it's important to do it regularly. By following these tips, you can ensure that your grease trap stays clean and works properly.

What Can Happen if You Don't Clean Your Grease Trap?

Failing to clean your grease trap can have a number of consequences for your restaurant.

Clogged drains - Commercial grease traps must be properly maintained and cleaned consistently. If your grease trap is not cleaned, it can lead to clogged drains.

Bad smells - The stench of rotting food can quickly fill your restaurant if the grease trap is not emptied on a regular basis.

Sewage backup - If the grease trap overflows, sewage can back up into your restaurant. This can not only damage your business, but it can also pose a health hazard to your customers and employees.

Fines - Many cities have laws that require restaurants to maintain their grease traps. If you don't clean your grease trap, you could be subject to fines from the city.

Signs your restaurant's grease trap needs cleaning

How do you know when it's time to clean your grease trap? Here are four signs to watch for:

1. Slow drainage - If your sink or floor drains are draining more slowly than usual, it could be a sign that your grease trap is full and needs to be cleaned.

2. Foul odors - If you notice an unpleasant odor coming from your drains, it could be a sign that sewage is backing up due to a clogged grease trap. The stench from a clogged grease trap can be incredibly strong. In addition, the odor can quickly spread throughout the kitchen and into the main building.

3. Overflow - Overflowing grease traps can create a nasty mess, and they can also lead to serious plumbing problems. Grease traps are designed to catch and hold fats, oils, and greases so that they don't enter the sewer system. However, if a grease trap is not properly maintained, it can become full and begin to overflow. When this happens, the grease can coat pipes and clog drains, leading to expensive repairs.

4. Rodents - Grease traps are designed to capture grease and other debris from cooking, but if they become blocked, they can provide a perfect breeding ground for rodents. The rats and mice will feed on the trapped grease and debris, and the resulting population can quickly become out of control. If you suspect that your grease trap may be blocked, call a professional to have it cleaned out as soon as possible.

If you notice any of these signs, then it's time to contact a professional commercial plumber that offers grease trap cleaning service. They will have the tools and knowledge necessary to clean your trap quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to business as usual!

In Conclusion

Maintaining a clean grease trap is important for any restaurant. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your grease trap stays clean and functioning properly. Failing to clean your grease trap can lead to a number of serious problems, including clogged drains, foul odors, sewage backup, and fines from the city. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to call a professional plumber for help.

Hurley Plumbing is a leading commercial plumbing company in Western Massachusetts that offers commercial drain cleaning services. Our team of experienced plumbers is available to help you with all of your restaurant and commercial plumbing needs. Contact us today to schedule service or to get a free quote.