Grease Trap Maintenance 101: Tips That Will Save Your Money

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Grease Trap Maintenance 101: Tips That Will Save Your Money

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Grease traps are necessary for commercial kitchens since fats harden in the pipes over time. A kitchen without a grease trap can lead to sewer blockages.

In order to run a more sustainable and worry-free kitchen operation, a grease trap should be installed. However, it is important to note that installing the device is the first step. For these to function properly, it needs regular Grease Trap Maintenance. 

This article aims to show you how to clean your grease trap so you can save money and keep it running as efficiently as possible.

What is a grease trap, and how does it work?

A grease trap or interceptor is an internal receptacle that intercepts fats, oils, grease, and solids (FOGS) after wastewater enters the drain. Clearwater is then directed to the drainage system. Grease traps remove FOGS from sewer systems, reducing the chances of sewer backups and overflows, which are more expensive and time-consuming to resolve. 

Oils and grease introduced to the tank immediately float to the top, displacing water through an exit at the bottom as the tank fills.

With proper grease trap cleaning, grease and oil can be safely stored until they can be properly removed. Maintaining a grease trap and keeping it in good working order requires an inspection every two years.

If grease and solids are not removed from the sink over time, they build up and back into the sink. Specialists must therefore perform frequent checks and pump-outs. The interval between checks varies depending on the size of the traps and the amount of waste. Biological treatment might be required every two to four weeks. 

What can go Wrong with a Grease Trap?

Restaurant operators should ensure that grease traps are cleaned consistently and emptied regularly. Your grease trap will become clogged with fats, oils, and grease if it accumulates:

  • Sewage backups into neighboring properties and clogged incoming and outgoing lines can result from major build-up. Your business will not look good with this large cleaning bill.
  • Your restaurant and surrounding areas are more susceptible to pest infestations & disease-causing bacteria. Employees and guests risk serious health problems due to these conditions.
  • A grease trap fire is possible. It takes only a small amount of grease buildup to cause a major fire hazard, which could cause extreme harm to your guests & employees, as well as costly damage to your kitchen.

Having a regular cleaning and emptying schedule for your grease traps is one of the most important things you need to know as a restaurant owner. The best way to keep repair and replacement costs low is to keep up with periodic /maintenance.

What are the costs associated with a grease trap?

1. Installation Costs

Installing a grease trap costs between $250 and $1000, depending on the location and area. If your grease trap is up to code, you will be fine and receive fines that can be extremely expensive.

There are laws governing restaurant grease traps. Each state has different laws, but the general guidelines are the same. To uphold code compliance, you should ensure that your grease traps are properly maintained. 

2. Replacement Costs

Grease traps usually last between 5 and 10 years, depending on your restaurant’s usage and size. Replacing a faulty grease trap should not be evaded because grease traps are so crucial in your business. However, grease traps should last at least 10 years if properly cared for and maintained.

3. Maintenance Costs

It’s necessary for you to be aware of the ongoing maintenance costs associated with grease traps. Preventive maintenance is important to keep your equipment running smoothly and reduce the risk of future expensive repairs or replacements.

The cost of maintenance and Grease Trap Cleaning at Lehigh Acres depends on the size of your grease trap and establishment. However, remember that these costs are mandated and should be incorporated into your budget.

Grease Trap Maintenance Tips That Save Money

1. Avoid Dumping Grease Directly into the Drain

It is important not to dump grease straight into your drain, even though the grease trap is designed to collect grease. Pouring grease/ oil down the drain can congeal your pipes, slow down the draining process, and hamper your grease trap & septic system’s performance. Grease traps require less maintenance the less grease you put in them. As a result, maintenance costs will also be reduced, in addition to cleaning costs. To properly dispose of your grease, let the oil cool off first, and then pour the solidified grease into a disposable box to throw away. Alternatively, keep a large container to store your used cooking oil to solidify and throw it later.

2. Install a Strainer

FOG (fats, oils, and greases) go into grease traps. Therefore, it should not be used as a dumping ground for solid food. Grease Traps tend to fill up faster when food gets in there, which necessitates regular cleaning. You may also experience frequent clogs due to solid food accumulation in the trap. 

Installing a strainer can help you avoid these costly inconveniences. The solid food will remain in the sink, while only fluids and fog will pass through. As a result, frequent clogging can be prevented. 

3. Have a Grease Container

Grease containers are important to keep in the kitchen because it’s easy to overlook them sometimes. Grease containers are useful for dumping used oil. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about dumping used oil in the sink again.

4. Oil Reusing

You create more than you need to dump every time you use a new oil. However, the oil from your kitchen can be reused to prevent this from happening. There will be a reduction in the amount of oil entering the trap due to a decrease in oil disposal and recycling of the existing oil.

How Can Crews Environmental Help?

We hope this information was helpful to you during your search. By following each tip, you can save money and improve the efficiency of your grease trap. Crews Environmental is always available to assist with Grease Trap Cleaning in Florida. Be it grease trap cleaning, maintenance, or installation- our expert services by skilled technicians are par excellence and aim to solve all your problems. 

Contact us today to get a quote.