Grease Trap Cleaning Guide: Importance, Common Causes, And Prevention
If you’re operating a commercial kitchen, you’re more likely to encounter grease trap issues. These issues need to be fixed immediately, as they could lead to health code violations - leading to hefty fines and a stained reputation.
So, before that happens, be proactive in understanding the common problems and issues with the traps. It not only helps you stay in accordance with local regulations but also ensures a smooth and efficient working kitchen.
There are several DIY ways to fix it, but it is recommended to opt for professional grease trap cleaning services to ensure the work done is accurate and prevent any future issues. In this blog, we have outlined some major grease trap problems - and solutions for how you can fix them!
What Are Grease Traps?
Grease traps, also known as grease interceptors, are devices that help to capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG). This device captures this waste to ensure they don’t enter the sewer, which may cause clogs and backflow. It also prevents blockages in municipal sewer lines and treatment facilities.
They slow down the water flow, which allows it to cool down. Once the water cools down, the FOG solidifies and floats to the top. The other solid waste material gets deposited in the bottom. This leaves the middle part of the water free to exit the trap to the sewer system.
Importance Of Grease Trap Cleaning
Here are the importance of grease trap cleaning -
Keeps Your Plumbing System Running Smoothly
A clogged trap can really mess up your plumbing system. When the grease and fats solidify, it accumulates in the pipes, which slows down the drainage. Thus causing severe and frequent backups. Regular cleaning ensures the prevention of nasty clogs that have the potential to close down your business.
Prevents Nasty Odors
Dirty grease traps make your kitchen smell awful. When the grease and food particles sit for too long, they start to decompose, which creates a terrible stench. Timely cleaning of grease traps eliminates the buildup before it stinks up the entire space and your neighborhood!
Avoids Costly Fines And Health Violations
Restaurants and commercial kitchens are required to follow health and safety regulations. So, if your grease trap hasn’t been cleaned for ages - you might get into serious trouble. This could lead to hefty fines and even temporary shutdowns. Hence, cleaning ensures your kitchen is compliant and avoids legal issues.
Ensures Your Grease Trap Lasts Long
Regularly cleaning your grease trap increases its lifespan. They aren’t cheap - and replacing one can be a hassle - financially. Taking care of your grease means it’ll last longer, and you won’t have to spend on installing a new trap.
5 Common Grease Trap Issues And How To Fix Them!
Understanding the grease trap issues can help you prevent any in the future. Here are some prevalent problems that kitchen owners face -
Water Backups
Dealing with water backups can be extremely daunting. No one wants such issues arising, especially in the kitchen. When grease, food particles, and sludge build-up, they block the water flow, causing it to back up into the floor drains and sinks.
These issues, if left unchecked, can lead to severe health issues and full-on plumbing failures. As a business owner, the last thing you need is - a backed-up grease trap shutting down the operations during peak hours.
Solution
The best way to stop backflow is to conduct regular maintenance. A regular maintenance service pumps out the built-up grease and prevents blockages. If you want to opt for DIY methods, you can pour warm water into the trap - it can help. But mind you - it’s not a long-term solution.
You can also use enzyme-based cleaners - which can break down the solidified FOG and keep the water flowing smoothly. However, if you notice frequent backups - even after ensuring to clean it regularly - it’s time to call a professional grease trap service company. They can check for hidden issues that might be causing the issue.
Slow Draining Grease Trap
Is your grease trap draining more slowly than usual? That’s a sign of trouble! When the grease and fats accumulate, it starts thickening, restricting the water flow. This makes it harder for your grease trap to function properly.
Slow drain is annoying - but it can become a nightmare if left unattended. So, if your grease trap is taking forever to empty, it’s time to take necessary actions - before it turns into a major and costly issue.
Solution
To fix slow drains - start with a full pump out. This involves removing built-up grease and solids and restoring the proper flow of water. If that doesn’t work, it might be possible that you have a clogged pipe issue. Hence, it is advisable to use hydrojetting - which can even clear the stubborn grease deposit.
Schedule routine inspections and cleanups, and avoid dumping solid wastes with excessive fats and oils down the kitchen sink. A grease trap that is well-maintained - ensures you have a healthy kitchen environment!
Foul Odors
It’s extremely unpleasant to have a smelly kitchen. Well, it’s a sign that there is something not right with your grease trap. When there is a foul and stinky odor - it means there is grease, sludge, and other waste material in the trap that is decomposing.
The decomposition of waste material creates the perfect living environment for bacteria. They build up and lead to stinking to the atmosphere. It also causes plumbing issues, leading to health code violations. So, we can say - it’s a problem that we can’t ignore.
Solution
The best way to eliminate odor is to - clean the trap regularly. Pumping out the waste material prevents the rotting of the food waste, which reduces the smell. If the waste is too much to deal with, pour enzyme cleaners to break down the sludges.
Also, ensure the trap baffles are in place and in working condition - this keeps the food particles from building up. Even after making all the necessary attempts, the smell persists - it might be a sign of something more prominent and deeper issues like - a clogged vent, overdue cleaning, etc.
Corrosion And Damage To Grease Trap
If you notice rust or corrosion in the grease trap, it’s time to take action. These can weaken and damage the trap, which can lead to leaks and potential system shutdown. Corrosion is mainly caused due to acidic waste, chemical cleaners, improper maintenance, etc. All these can enhance the corrosion speed.
If you see the traps deteriorating and not functioning well, it may be time to replace them. If not done on time, you may have to change all the parts - which can be costly in terms of effort and money.
Solution
The best way to prevent grease trap corrosion is by using smart cleaning practices. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners - which can accelerate rust and wear. Instead, use biological, water-based, or enzyme-based cleaners. They work effectively and clean the trap without damaging it.
Clogged Drains
There are three major places where clogs can happen - in the incoming line, the outgoing line, and the crossover line, which connects two compartments. Clogs mostly happen when there is a huge accumulation of debris at the bottom of the trap, which becomes lodged in one of these lines.
Sometimes, grease can get stuck into any one of the lines and solidify into a dam of sorts. This can happen when there is too much grease in the trap, which can solidify into a huge mass.
Solution
A comprehensive grease trap cleaning service can help you get rid of the clogs. This helps clear out debris and sludge deposits in both compartments. If there is severe buildup or blockage, hydrojetting might be the right option. It can force out the debris and ensure smooth water flow.
In addition, make sure to scrub away the buildup on the trap wall and bottom. This will prevent the accumulation anytime soon. Also, schedule a timely maintenance to check the overall health of the trap.
How To Prevent Grease Trap From Clogging?
Taking preventive measures costs much less than a replacement or repair. Here are some ways how to keep grease traps from clogging -
- Regularly clean the traps
- Act quickly to early warning signs
- Don’t pour solid food and other materials down the sink
- Reduce the amount of grease, fats, and oils that go down the kitchen sink
Takeaway
It is important to ensure a proper working grease trap for an efficient kitchen environment. Understanding the common cause helps recognize the issue and take action before it turns out to be a tormenting experience.
Implementing preventative measures helps the traps to work properly without disruption. DIY methods of cleaning and maintaining can help, but to ensure the longevity of the trap - it is advisable to call a professional.
Looking For a Grease Trap Pumping Service In Sacramento? Contact Advanced Septic Pumping For Professional Assistance!
If you’re seeking a reliable and trustworthy grease trap service, you can count on Advanced Septic Pumping. We offer comprehensive services that are best suited for you. Our service includes grease pumping and cleaning, in addition to regular maintenance.
Call Advanced Septic Pumping - the best grease trap service company in Sacramento, California!