Grease Trap Perth are boxes where wastewater flows through before entering a drainage system. They reduce the amount of fats, oils, and greases (FOG) that enter sewer lines, causing clogs.
Traditional passive systems are small point-of-use units that sit under sinks or beside dishwashers. They require manual cleaning regularly.
A grease trap is a plumbing device separating fats, oils, and grease from kitchen wastewater before entering the sewer system. It is used in restaurants and other food service establishments to reduce the amount of FOG entering the sewage system, which can cause clogs and other problems. FOG also contributes to the environmental hazards of sewage overflows and spills into waterways. A grease trap works by catching and storing discarded cooking oil, allowing it to cool and solidify, preventing it from flowing directly into the sewage system.
A typical grease trap consists of a box within the drain run that carries wastewater from kitchen sinks. The box has a cover that sits flush with the surface of the wastewater, making it easy to remove and replace. It contains baffles, which slow the flow of wastewater so that FOG can float and separate from the rest of the waste water. The grease trap is then filled with water, which helps to stabilize the FOG and keeps it from escaping into the drain system.
The best type of grease trap to choose depends on the size and amount of FOG a business produces. A small, under-the-sink unit can be sufficient for small businesses with low volumes of FOG. Larger, higher-volume establishments may require a larger device called a Grease Interceptor. The main difference between the two is that interceptors are rated for the maximum amount of wastewater they can handle, usually in gallons per minute (GPM).
Grease Traps and Interceptors can be made from a variety of materials including stainless steel, mild steel, plastics and concrete. They can be located above ground, below ground, inside the kitchen or outside the building. They range in size from a floor trap under a three-compartment sink to large tanks on the exterior of the building.
Choosing a grease trap with a high efficiency rating is important, as this will mean that more of the FOG in your waste water will be removed and retained rather than being sent to the sewer system. It is recommended that you choose a unit that has been 3rd party tested to meet efficiency standards. A newer and more popular option is a high-capacity Hydromechanical Grease Interceptor, like Trapzilla, which is lightweight and takes up less space than concrete GGIs while offering superior grease removal performance.
How does a Grease Trap work?
Grease traps are small receptacles that kitchen wastewater flows through before entering the sewer waste system. They’re often referred to as interceptors.
They’re essential to restaurants and other establishments with commercial kitchens, including hospitals, malls and schools. They’re needed to prevent sewage line blockages from grease buildup and avoid costly repairs and fines.
A specialized baffle in the first chamber of a septic tank style grease trap keeps solid food materials from passing into the second chamber, where the fats, oils and grease (FOG) are captured. The FOG slowly cools, solidifies and separates from the wastewater. The cleaned water exits the trap into a normal sewage or septic system.
There are different sized grease traps available to meet the needs of different businesses, depending on their volume of wastewater and the amount of FOG being produced. Whether you have a small floor trap under a 3-compartment sink, or an interceptor-style system with skimmers and augers that remove the trapped grease continuously, there is a solution for your business.
Regularly inspecting your grease trap is important to ensure that it is working properly and that you’re staying in compliance with your city’s regulations. Getting your grease trap inspected and properly cleaned can also help to prolong the life of the unit. During cleaning, it’s vital to scrape the walls of the trap thoroughly to remove any adhered grease and prevent future build up. Then, the accumulated grease can be removed and disposed of properly to avoid contamination of the surrounding environment.
What should I do if my Grease Trap is Clogged?
If your grease trap is clogged, the most important thing to do is to schedule cleaning as soon as possible. If you wait too long, the problem can cause unpleasant odors and drainage issues in your kitchen. It can also lead to overflows and backups in your sinks and drain lines. To prevent these problems, your grease trap should be cleaned and pumped regularly.
Clogged grease traps can occur in the incoming line, the outgoing line or in the crossover line that connects these two compartments. A clog in any one of these lines will cause an overflow in that compartment. To fix the clog, you will need to remove the cover and clean the trap with cold water. This will remove most of the fats, oils and grease, which will then float to the top of the trap and be pumped out with your garbage disposal or manually removed by a professional.
Once the trap has been cleaned, it is a good idea to have the plumbing system checked and repaired as needed. You will also need to make sure the grease trap is in compliance with any city or county codes regarding size and frequency of pumping.
Foul odors in your kitchen are most often caused by a full grease trap. These odors can be difficult to get rid of, and should be addressed promptly by scheduling regular grease trap pumping. It is also a good idea to place a strainer on all drains in your kitchen to keep solid waste out of the grease trap, and to add a rat-proof cover to your trap to deter rodents.
While there are many chemical cleaners on the market designed to break down FOG, it is generally best to use a natural solution made with baking soda and vinegar. Chemical cleaners can kill the natural bacteria in your trap, which reduces its effectiveness. They can also contaminate the wastewater system and your customers’ drinking water. A natural solution is safer for you, your employees and the environment.
How often should I clean my Grease Trap?
The best practice for cleaning a grease trap is to have it professionally cleaned every one to three months. This will help minimize foul odors from the trap and prevent solid buildup from entering drain pipes, causing blockages and overflowing into your restaurant or the surrounding neighborhood and streets.
FOG-filled drain lines can cause wastewater to back up into a facility, resulting in costly plumbing repairs and lost business. FOG buildup also poses a health hazard for workers and customers, attracting insects such as flies and rodents that can carry germs and diseases. Regular grease trap maintenance can prevent these problems, ensuring that your plumbing system is running smoothly and preventing costly repair bills and disruptions to your daily operations.
When deciding on the frequency of your grease trap cleaning, it is important to consider how often you cook and the volume of FOG your restaurant produces. Small to medium restaurants typically need their traps cleaned every one to three months, while larger facilities that produce a large amount of FOG will require more frequent cleanings. The easiest way to determine the appropriate cleaning schedule for your kitchen is to follow the “1/4 rule”: when the trap reaches 1/4th of its capacity with fats, oils and greases (FOGS), it is time for a cleanout.
Once your grease trap is emptied, it is important to use a solution designed specifically for cleaning grease traps. This solution will dissolve and break down any remaining grease, allowing it to flow into the drains. It is also important to rinse the grease trap thoroughly after cleaning to ensure that all of the cleaning solution and waste is flushed away.
Another important consideration for determining the frequency of your grease trap cleaning is your local regulations. Many jurisdictions have strict laws regarding the disposal of FOG, and failure to comply can result in fines. Using a professional service will help to ensure that your grease trap is properly cleaned and disposed of, avoiding costly violations and fines. In addition, a professional service will be up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations, ensuring that your business is in compliance.