A grease trap is a device that collects and holds grease, fats, oils, and other food-related liquids before they reach the sewer system. Grease traps are used in restaurants, food service establishments, and industrial facilities such as factories that produce or process food products.
Let’s first define what a grease trap is. A grease trap is a plumbing device that serves as a drain or waste pipe to prevent fats, oils and greases from passing into the municipality’s sewer system. Every commercial kitchen produces fats, oils and greases (FOG). Even though most kitchens attempt to minimize the amount of FOG material that is washed away through the facility’s drainage systems, preventing all of it from being ending up in a drain is unrealistic.
Fortunately, grease traps exist for this very purpose. They trap and intercept FOG before it makes it to the main sewer.
Sign #1: Unusual Odors
If you notice an unusual odor, it’s likely that your grease trap needs to be cleaned. This can happen when a drain line becomes clogged or damaged. If the problem goes unnoticed and isn’t addressed in time, bacteria will start to grow in the trap itself–and that’s when things get really smelly!
Sign #2: Slow Drainage
When the sink and other drains in your restaurant are draining slowly, a full grease trap may be the cause. A clogged grease trap can lead to a full drain line. This can cause backup into the building’s plumbing system and significant damage. It is important to hire a grease trap cleaning service according to a regular schedule.
Grease, oil and fats in liquid form can be washed down drains. However, they solidify over time and accumulate in the grease trap, leading to clogging of the grease trap and slowing of drains in a restaurant.
A visual examination of the grease trap can reveal whether it is too full and in need of cleaning. If grease is stiffening and forming a cap at the top, that means the trap is too full and it’s time to get it cleaned out.
Sign #3: When Grease Is 25% Or More Of The Total Liquid Depth
To prevent clogging of the drains or odors, remove the build-up before it causes problems. Scheduling cleaning in advance prevents overflowing grease traps and malfunctions.
When grease traps contain more than 25% of wastewater volume in grease deposits, they must be cleaned. Maintaining the unit is easy once cleaned and takes only a few minutes. Cleaning the trap prevents problems that might affect your restaurant’s operation.
Sign #4: Overflowing Grease Traps
If you notice that your grease trap is overflowing, it’s time to call a professional. This can be an indication that the trap needs to be serviced. Overflowing grease traps are not only unsightly and smelly, but they also pose a health risk to your employees and customers.
Sign #5: It’s Been Over 3 Months Since the Last Cleanup
If you have trouble remembering or it’s been over three months (90 days), it may be time to schedule a cleaning.
Best practices dictate that grease trap cleaning should be done at least once every three months. However, if you run a busy restaurant, you may have to clean it more frequently, once every month. By doing this, you avoid grease-trap-related issues and comply with Environmental Protection Agency and Health Department standards for grease-trap cleaning.
What to Do When You See These Signs
If you see any of these signs, it is essential to contact a professional grease trap service provider like Silver City Processing for help.
The Benefits of Professional Grease Trap Service
Here are a few reasons to hire a professional to clean your grease trap:
Stay Compliant With Regulations
Las Vegas has health codes requiring restaurants to regularly clean their grease traps. That’s because, when left unchecked, the grease and oil that collects can turn rancid and affect the health of your kitchen employees and wastewater. In fact, there are fines on non-compliant kitchens, so make sure you know the health codes and schedule regular grease trap cleanings so you won’t get any nasty surprises.
Keep Your Plumbing Clog-Free
When your grease trap gets too full, you will have plumbing issues and lose time and money. Scheduling regular grease trap cleanings ensures that you never have to shut down your kitchen to address clogged sinks that are backing up with cooking waste. Silver City can also help you keep your drain lines clean with our hydro jetting services.
Efficiency
Efficient grease trap cleaning requires the right equipment and extensive experience. The cleaning procedure may seem straightforward at first, but some numerous nuances and details demand expertise.
Safe Disposal
The grease trap in your commercial kitchen contains substances that can cause a lot of damage. For instance, the build-up of oils and fats in drains can clog sewers. Don’t have to worry about the legal and practical side of grease disposal. Hire professionals for grease trap cleaning services. The eliminated grease will be processed according to all the rules and regulations.
The Cost of Professional Grease Trap Service
The cost of professional grease trap service can vary depending on the size and complexity of the grease trap. At Silver City Processing, we offer competitive rates and free quotes so you know exactly what to expect before we begin work on your equipment.
Grease Trap Needs Service? Call Silver City Processing
If you have a grease trap in your restaurant or other food service establishment, regular maintenance is essential for the health and safety of your business. If you see any of the signs above, contact Silver City Processing for help. We’ll ensure everything works properly so your employees can focus on what they do best–making great food!