Grease Trap Cleaning is a task that all restaurateurs, coffee shop owners, food vendors and supermarket managers must face on a regular basis. Although the process is unpleasant, it’s necessary to keep your establishment functioning properly and prevent a costly backup of wastewater into sinks, dishwashers and other drains.
Inadequate cleaning of the grease trap can result in expensive plumbing repairs, disruptions to business operations and hefty fines from local sewer authorities. Regularly cleaning the grease trap will reduce odors and extend the life of your equipment and system.
Whether your trap is passive or automatic, it needs to be cleaned regularly. Passive traps require more frequent cleaning due to their slower drainage rate and smaller capacity. Inadequate grease trap cleaning can also lead to the discharge of FOG (fats, oils and grease) into the sewage system or natural water bodies, which damages ecosystems, harms aquatic life and pollutes water supplies.
To avoid these costly and inconvenient plumbing mishaps more info, a clogged grease trap can be prevented with regular maintenance by a professional. A qualified technician will pump out the grease trap contents, scrape the sides of the trap and measure the waste to determine how full it is.
If the trap is too full, it will begin to break down and deteriorate quickly. This will make the trap less effective and may result in a FOG spill or back up of contaminated water into your restaurant’s kitchen equipment, which can be costly to repair.
When your trap is overflowing, you must contact a professional service company as soon as possible. The grease trap service technician will remove the entire contents of the grease interceptor using a powerful grease removal pump and scrape the sides to eliminate any accumulated FOG. He or she will also clean the interior of the tank and clean the lid, screens and parts. After the cleanup is complete, the technician will write up a FOG pump out report and provide it to you for your records.
During the grease trap cleaning process, it’s important to work with cool water. This allows the fats, oils and greases to float to the top and makes it easier to skim off the layer of solidified grease. It’s also best to use metal buckets as plastic ones can melt when the grease is hot.
You should always wear gloves and personal protective equipment when handling a grease trap. A crowbar is helpful in prying open the grease trap cover, and you should carefully remove it without damaging the gasket. To minimize odors, you should educate your staff on proper waste disposal practices and implement a no-food-waste policy. This will also help keep the grease trap clean and reduce the need to clean it as often.
Adding chemicals to the grease trap can reduce the need for frequent pumping out and cleaning. However, it’s critical to add the chemicals in the correct dosage and on a consistent basis. It’s also recommended to avoid pouring large amounts of chemicals into the trap, as this will only have a temporary effect on reducing odors and may damage the inner workings of the trap.