If you own a restaurant, you already know that your kitchen is the heart of your business. Naturally, you want to keep it clean by all means possible. One of the most important ways to do that is by using grease traps. It works like a filter and takes the solid and liquid wastes out of your kitchen area. However, what if it suddenly stops working? We often overlook minor problems in the grease traps until they lead to costly repairs. 

But you don't need to worry, as you can count on us for help! We understand your problems. So, in this blog, we will guide you in identifying and taking care of your grease traps so that you can run your business smoothly. But first, let's get an idea about grease traps and how they work.

What is a Grease Trap, and How Does it Work?

Are you wondering what a grease trap is and where it stays in the kitchen? Well, let's break it down for you. A grease trap is a plumbing device that traps oils and food waste before sewage enters the sewer system. 

Sometimes, it is also called a grease interceptor. There are two types of grease traps: manual traps and automatic traps. You can locate grease traps below your sink or anywhere near it in the kitchen. Commercial kitchens in restaurants and cafes all have grease traps inside their kitchen.

The purpose of grease traps is to stop fats, oils, and grease (FOG) substances from moving into the sewer system. Here's how it works:

  • Wastewater from sinks, dishwasher waste, and other discharges from kitchen appliances flow into the grease trap system.
  • The wastewater enters a large holding container where the water's speed is reduced.
  • The slowing of water flow creates a separation between the layers of water and FOG. FOG gets collected at the top surface as it is less dense than water.
  • The tank now contains FOG in the upper section, which prevents it from entering the sewer system. Clean water takes an exit and flows into the sewer system.

What are Some Common Issues with Grease Traps?

Grease traps are an essential component of your kitchen, especially if you own a hotel, restaurant, or cafe or if you run a canteen in school and college. Usually, it is advised to call a professional to take out the FOG from the grease trap at least once or twice a month for more efficient cleaning. Otherwise, it can cause various problems:

Struggling with grease trap issues? Get expert solutions today!

Grease Trap Clogs

  • Debris, along with grease accumulation in the incoming lines of the grease traps, blocks wastewater flow toward the grease trap. This can result in overflows of waste.
  • Sometimes, the outgoing lines containing treated wastewater may become blocked as well. This stops wastewater movement, leading to overflows.
  • Multiple plumbing fixtures or grease traps use crossover lines for their connection. So, the entire plumbing system can be affected when crossover line clogs occur.
  • Grease traps that are not emptied in regular intervals will ultimately become full, causing waste overflows.

Problems with Clean Grease Traps

The problem of clogging might still continue even after you have cleaned the grease traps!

  • Sometimes, the grease traps will not function correctly because of improper slope alignment of the drainage lines. This may lead to slow drainage and waste overflows.
  • If you have a small grease trap that is not the right fit for the volume of wastewater, the drainage system will not work properly.

Other Issues You Might Face with Clogged Grease Traps

  • If water often gets overflowed in the kitchen area due to clogging, it can cause waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, etc.
  • Overflow of wastewater can contaminate clean water and cause water pollution.
  • The piled-up waste can cause bad odors and pest infestations.
  • If the grease traps are not cleaned at regular intervals, the efficiency of the grease system will be reduced. This can lead to high replacement costs.
  • Repeated problems due to waste disposal can also hinder the process of cooking in your kitchen.

You can try out some solutions to deal with these issues yourself. But we suggest you call the pros and let them handle the job so that you can focus on your business. 

How to Fix The Common Issues with Grease Traps?

Grease trap problems can cause quite a fuss when you're cooking and cleaning in the kitchen. Luckily, some of these problems can be fixed. Although you might need professional help to make it work more efficiently, you can still try out these DIY solutions!

Declogging 

If you want to fix the clogging in the incoming or outgoing lines of your grease traps, then use a plumbing snake or auger to unclog it. But if there is a tough clog, you can use enzymes or bacteria to decompose grease and debris elements. Also, you can examine the slope and measurement of drainage lines to see if there is a smooth movement and adjust them if needed. 

You can also use chemical cleaners or degreasers to do the job. But in those cases, be careful and follow the safety protocols. Otherwise, you can contact the professionals who can do the job for you!

Maintenance 

Frequent maintenance, at least once or twice a month, can stop grease trap problems from becoming serious. You can choose environmentally friendly cleaning chemicals to clean your grease trap system every once in a while. You can also check for damaged and corroded parts to avoid leaks and overflows. 

Proper Disposal Practices

You can follow these guidelines when disposing of grease trap waste:

  • Throw your grease trap waste to approved recycling centers and waste disposal sites for proper disposal.
  • Make sure every piece of waste gets adequate containment along with appropriate labeling.
  • Avoid disposing of grease trap waste into sewers, drains, or landfills.
  • You should look into converting grease trap waste into biofuel or compost material for reuse purposes.

Professional Help

Contact expert technicians when you cannot fix your grease trap problems or these problems continue to appear frequently. Professionals will have the knowledge and certifications to clean your grease traps more efficiently and in much less time. 

They will follow all the safety protocols and do the job as per local and environmental regulations. Not sure about who to call to get a grease trap pumping service in Sacramento? Here is our suggestion!

Use Our Grease Trap Expertise at Advanced Septic Service!

We offer the best grease trap services to our clients at Advanced Septic Services LLC. We are a family-owned business in Sacramento that has been providing our services for more than 25 years. We use natural and non-toxic products for all types of services. Our services include:

  • Regular grease trap cleaning services.
  • Grease trap hot water hydro-jetting services.
  • Professional grease trap pumping and inspection services are also available.
  • Expert advice and guidance.

Having proper grease trap maintenance will ensure your kitchen runs smoothly. So, what are you waiting for? We are one of the best grease trap service companies in Sacramento. So, call us now and let us fix your grease trap issues.

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