Grease Trap Perth helps prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from traveling into in-ground drainage fields and major waterways. Without it, these substances would accumulate in the drain system, leading to clogs and costly repairs.

In addition to causing unpleasant odors, improper grease disposal can lead to health and environmental violations resulting in fines, business shutdowns, and legal action. Preventing these problems requires a combination of regular maintenance and proper disposal practices.

If you manage a kitchen, work in the food industry or own a restaurant, then you need to know about grease traps. These important devices prevent fats, oils and grease (FOG) from clogging drains, sewer systems or septic tanks. In fact, many municipalities require restaurants to have grease traps and interceptors in place to comply with wastewater management regulations.

A grease trap is a device that sits between your commercial kitchen’s drain and the sewer or septic tank system. Wastewater flowing into a commercial kitchen drain often contains FOG, which can lead to a number of problems including blocked or overflowing drains and sewer backups.

To prevent these issues, most commercial kitchens use a grease trap. A grease trap is a large container that sits between the sink drain and the sewer or septic tank line. Wastewater flows into the trap and is siphoned off by a partition or chamber. As the wastewater flows through, it naturally stratifies based on density. Grease and oil, which are lighter than water, rise to the top of the trap while solids sink to the bottom. The resulting separation means that water can exit the trap while remaining FOG and other solids are trapped inside.

There are a few different types of grease traps, with the most common being passive hydromechanical and automatic grease interceptors. Passive traps are generally made of steel or concrete and have a fixed capacity, while hydromechanical interceptors typically have a higher GPM flow handling capability. Hydro-mechanical grease interceptors are also designed with baffles that allow the wastewater to be cooled and separated into 3 layers, ensuring that FOG is trapped while still allowing clear water to pass through to the sanitary sewer.

Adding chemical preventative maintenance to your grease traps can significantly reduce the frequency of your FOG pump-outs. However, it is important to understand that even with regular preventative maintenance, your grease trap will eventually reach a point where it’s too full and needs to be pumped out. It is recommended that you schedule a grease pump-out every one to three months depending on your establishment’s typical production level and the size of your trap.

How Does a Grease Trap Work?

Commercial grease traps are specialized plumbing devices that work with the laws of gravity and flow physics. They intercept fats, oils and grease (FOG) from commercial kitchen sinks, floor drains and dishwashers before they can wash into the city sewer system and cause costly plumbing issues and environmental hazards.

When wastewater enters a grease trap through an inlet pipe it begins a carefully designed separation journey. The hot water carrying FOG is slowed down by a set of baffles inside the trap, allowing time for the different layers to separate. The fats and oils float to the top of the trap due to their lower density, while solid food particles and other debris sink to the bottom. The clean, clear wastewater is then able to escape through the outlet tee.

Passive grease traps are typically made from stainless steel and come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate varying wastewater production requirements. They use a design that dates back to 1885, and are one of the most common types of grease interceptors used in restaurants, cafeterias, hotels and other commercial kitchens. They must be manually cleaned on a regular basis, which is a dirty, smelly job. Electro-mechanical systems, also called AGRU’s (automatic grease removal units), offer a more automated solution to passive traps. They heat and skim the accumulated FOG on a programmed schedule, removing the grease from your facility without the need for manual cleaning.

While the benefits of grease traps and interceptors are many, they must be properly maintained to ensure proper function and extend their lifespan. Most cities and states have strict regulations regarding the installation of grease traps and maintenance, including inspections, pump-outs and the keeping of a maintenance log. Failing to adhere to these regulations can lead to fines, business closure and health code violations. Regularly scheduled maintenance by professional technicians can reduce plumbing problems and keep your establishment running smoothly. The frequency of these services varies depending on the level of FOG produced in your kitchen, but most grease traps should be cleaned and pumped out every one to three months.

What are the Problems with Grease Traps?

Fats, oils and grease (FOG) accumulate in your facility’s drains and if left untreated can cause serious problems. Grease traps help to mitigate these issues by separating FOG from wastewater before it enters the municipal sewer system. However, without proper care and cleaning, a grease trap can become clogged and fail to perform its function. A clogged or improperly functioning grease trap can lead to costly repairs, health code violations and environmental fines.

The mechanical components of a grease trap can become damaged over time due to overuse and exposure to harsh chemicals used in washing and pumping. This can reduce the efficiency of FOG separation and allow grease to escape into the sewage system. Regular inspections and cleaning can help prevent these problems and extend the life of your grease trap.

FOG accumulated in your trap can cause backups in sinks, which disrupt kitchen operations and lead to sanitation issues. Clogged traps also slow drainage and can create foul odors that can negatively affect customer satisfaction and staff comfort. Foul odors can also indicate the presence of harmful bacteria or gases such as hydrogen sulfide.

A faulty or unmaintained trap can attract pests such as rodents, flies and roaches. These pests are drawn to food particles, moisture and warmth and can pose health and hygiene risks for customers, employees and the surrounding environment. A leaking or poorly sealed grease trap can also allow contaminated water and waste to seep into the surrounding environment, impacting nearby rivers, lakes and oceans.

A properly installed and maintained grease trap can efficiently separate FOG from wastewater, helping your establishment comply with local sanitary regulations. A regularly scheduled cleaning service can also catch potential grease trap problems such as a broken baffle or inlet/outlet damage. These problems can be prevented by implementing best practices such as encouraging staff to scrape plates and utensils into trash bins instead of drains and using sink strainers to help remove larger food particles. To extend the life of your grease trap, regularly clean it with a professional and ensure that it is correctly sized for your facility.

How Do I Maintain My Grease Trap?

A properly functioning grease trap is vital for the smooth operation of any commercial kitchen. It prevents sewer blockages, slow drains, and foul odors by separating FOGs from wastewater before it exits your business’s plumbing system. It also minimizes the impact that restaurants and other businesses have on water treatment facilities, which can be put under strain by excess FOGs.

The best way to maintain your grease trap is by cleaning it regularly. Keeping up with a regular cleaning schedule helps to avoid foul odors, ensures that the trap is working efficiently, and can help you avoid costly repairs and fines from inspectors. Cleaning a grease trap is not an easy task and requires special equipment such as hydrojets or specialized cleanup chemicals. While you can clean a grease trap yourself, it is often more effective and cost-efficient to hire a professional.

Professional cleaning companies have the tools, expertise, and equipment necessary to thoroughly clean and disinfect your grease trap, ensuring that it is up to code. They can also take care of the disposal process, following strict environmental guidelines to protect local water sources.

While regular grease trap maintenance is important, it’s equally as crucial to implement preventive measures. These can include a sink strainer to catch food particles before they enter the grease trap, and avoiding pouring oil or fat down the drain. Scraping plates and pans before washing them can also reduce the amount of grease that enters your trap.

Lastly, it’s important to keep records of your grease trap maintenance and cleanings. These can be useful for regulatory compliance, scheduling services, and identifying issues with your grease trap before they become major problems.

FOG build-up is the leading cause of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and combined sewer overflows (CSOs). If you’re looking for an efficient, effective, and affordable solution to your grease management needs, we recommend partnering with a professional service company. Using this method, your grease trap will be cleaned and pumped on a consistent basis, preventing costly issues before they arise. Contact us today for more information about our grease trap cleaning and maintenance services.