Author: Celeste Richards

Grease Trap Maintenance

Celeste Richards Septic Services , , , , ,

Grease Trap Perth also called grease interceptors, are a crucial piece of kitchen plumbing. They are designed to intercept, or trap, fats, oils and greases (FOG) before they reach sewer mains and cause clogs and overflows.

Grease Trap

They are required to be pumped out regularly, usually every 1-3 months. Ideally, they should be pumped out before they get 25% full.

Grease traps are boxes positioned within the wastewater drain run from sinks and appliances in kitchens to prevent fats, oils and greases (FOG) from entering into the main sewer system which over time leads to blockages, foul odours and pest infestation. They are designed only to have kitchen wastewater running through them and should never be mixed with other drainage systems such as toilets.

FOG is one of the leading causes of sanitary sewer overflows which cause environmental damage and disrupt public water supplies. A properly maintained grease interceptor helps protect the environment by preventing FOG from reaching the sewer system resulting in costly repairs and disruption of business.

To work effectively, a grease trap must be cleaned or pumped out on a regular basis to remove the accumulated solids. If this is not done regularly, the solids will build up and create a blockage that prevents wastewater from leaving the trap. A blocked trap will also cause a foul smell that can interrupt your restaurant’s business and lead to health department fines.

Before you install a grease trap it’s important to understand local plumbing codes and obtain any required permits. This project is usually a job for a professional plumber, however, if you have experience with plumbing and are familiar with the requirements of your jurisdiction, you may be able to do the installation yourself.

You must decide what size grease trap you need based on the amount of wastewater that flows through your kitchen sinks and appliances. It’s also necessary to determine where the trap will be located. The location must be easily accessible for maintenance and cleaning.

When installing the grease trap, it’s important to make sure all connections are secure and sealed tightly. Also, the trap should be properly ventilated to avoid odors and ensure proper operation.

Once the grease trap is installed, it’s important to keep up with maintenance and cleaning schedules. The trap should be emptied and inspected periodically to make sure it’s functioning properly and that there are no leaks or cracks. During this inspection, a certified inspector will check the flow rate and pressure of the trap, verify the trap is properly vented, and inspect the grease trap for any signs of corrosion or other problems.

Maintenance

A grease trap is a vital piece of equipment in any restaurant or commercial kitchen. It prevents fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the sewer system and causing backups and blockages. It is also designed to keep foul odors from permeating the dining area and surrounding areas. However, many commercial kitchens overlook the maintenance of their grease traps. A regular cleaning can help prolong the life of the trap and ensure it is working effectively.

The best way to ensure your grease trap is properly maintained is to have it cleaned by professional technicians. They have the tools and expertise to clean the trap quickly and thoroughly. They will also adhere to environmental regulations and ensure proper waste disposal.

Using a bucket, scoop, or heavy-duty trash bag, remove all solid waste from the trap and put it in a water-tight garbage bin. Make sure to include any accumulated liquids as well. This waste should be disposed of according to local and state regulations. Then, use a commercial wet/dry vacuum to suck away the remaining wastewater and FOG. After removing the FOG layer, clean the lids, trap sides, and parts with a steel pot scrubber and soapy water. You should also flush the screens and parts with water to remove any leftover soap.

Once the grease trap is clean, it should be re-installed and sealed with silicone caulk. Then, a technician can test it to determine whether or not it is functioning correctly. If the grease trap is not functioning as intended, it could be because it was installed incorrectly or because of improper usage.

A professional technician can also perform line jetting, which is an effective method of grease trap cleaning. In this process, a hose with high-pressure jets is inserted into the plumbing. The water is forced out in a circular motion and washes away any clogs and debris. It can also help break down larger pieces of waste, such as solids and rags, that may be stuck inside the plumbing system. This technique can also be used to clear grease trap overflows.

Repair

Even with the best preventative maintenance routines, grease traps can experience breakdown and need repairs from time to time. This happens due to several factors including inconsistent cleaning and clogging. Fats, oils and grease cling to the interior of pipes and reduce inlet and outlet flow causing a clog. Additionally, caustic cleaners and improper tools can damage the walls of the tank, leading to leaks.

A grease trap is not meant to leak and if yours does, it is a serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Not only does it create a safety risk, with staff wading through waste to prepare food, but it also poses health and sanitation concerns. A leaking grease trap can lead to contaminated wastewater that escapes into the environment, contaminating groundwater and potentially public drinking water. Additionally, the kitchen can be left without proper ventilation and may have foul odors that affect customer satisfaction.

If you discover a grease trap leak, turn off all kitchen drains and call your plumbing professional right away. They will inspect the trap and surrounding plumbing to determine what is causing the issue. If the grease trap is old and beyond repair, they will recommend replacement.

To get your grease trap up and running again, start by removing any solids from the tank with a scoop. If there are any odors coming from the tank, use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out the waste and dump it in a garbage bag or a designated area for FOG waste. Next, rinse the interior of the trap with hot water and wash screens and parts with soapy water and a steel pot scrubber. Then, use a tape measure to measure the depth of the tank and record the results on the FOG pump out report that your plumber provides.

Keeping up with grease trap maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs and keep your kitchen functioning smoothly. By regularly cleaning and pumping out the trap, you can minimize odors, prevent blockages, and ensure your grease trap is working correctly. If you don’t have a grease trap maintenance plan in place, or if you’re experiencing problems with yours, contact a licensed Master plumber right away to discuss options and pricing for installation and repair.

Replacement

If the grease trap is badly corroded and no longer effective, it’s time to replace it. This will prevent clogged drains and sewage backups that can result in downtime and fines for the food service establishment. The replacement process usually involves cleaning the old grease trap thoroughly and replacing all of its internal parts. The plumbing lines are also reworked and readjusted to guarantee that liquid flows correctly.

The basic function of a grease trap is to filter the residual fats, oils and greases (FOG) from kitchen wastewater before it enters the sewer waste system. It does this by separating the wastewater into three layers: the fats, oils and greases rise to the top of the trap, while the solids fall to the bottom, and the clear water exits through an outlet baffle. The trap is usually located underground in an accessible outdoor area.

Businesses that produce a lot of FOG need to install a grease trap or interceptor. This includes restaurants, hotels, malls, and any other business that prepares meals. FOG can cause serious problems for local sewage systems by creating blockages that lead to sewage backups, which are costly and disgusting. If not properly disposed of, the resulting grease can also reach and pollute local water supplies.

Unlike residential grease traps, which can be easily removed and cleaned by hand, commercial grease traps are larger and require professional maintenance. They can be as small as a floor trap under a three-compartment sink or as large as a tank on the exterior of a building. The size, capacity, and other features of the grease trap will determine how often it must be emptied and pumped, as well as the cost of purchasing and operating the system.

Even though maintaining a grease trap is a gritty, unpleasant and expensive task that most restauranteurs and kitchen staff would rather avoid, it’s crucial for a restaurant’s compliance with city safety regulations. Plus, it helps protect a business’s reputation and image. If customers notice that an establishment has an out-of-date or poorly maintained grease trap, they may choose to eat elsewhere.

Pest Control 101 – Essential Tips For Keeping Your Home Safe And Clean

Celeste Richards Pest Control , , , ,

Maintaining a clean environment makes it less inviting to pests. It also reduces the amount of germs that can accumulate in the home or on food.

Keeping up with routine tasks like making the bed, cleaning the kitchen, and promptly sweeping and vacuuming helps prevent pest infestations. Other preventative measures include sealing cracks and holes, storing food in airtight containers, and using traps. Read on to learn more about proper Pest Control Boise.

pest control

Seal Cracks and Holes

Pests don’t just damage your home; they can also bring germs and health risks into your living spaces. That’s why it’s essential to prevent pests from entering your house in the first place. While spray pesticides can offer a quick fix, permanent solutions to prevent pests from entering your home involve identifying and sealing cracks and holes where pests might enter and then addressing them.

Microscopic pests, such as cockroaches and ants, can squeeze through gaps that are barely visible to the human eye. A good rule of thumb is that if you can slip a pencil into a hole, a mouse or young roach can fit through it as well.

Look for cracks around doors and windows and on the foundation of your home, and seal these with caulk. Install door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors, repair holes in window and door screens, and replace worn weather stripping. Also check for areas where water may collect, such as in puddles in the garden or by air conditioning and heating vents, and ensure these areas are properly caulked and sealed.

Keep in mind that many pests are not only searching for food; they’re also looking for moisture. If you suspect you have a problem with damp areas in your home, such as basements or laundry rooms, make sure these are cleaned and dehumidified regularly.

Also consider eliminating overhanging tree branches and shrubs, which can provide hiding places for raccoons, squirrels, mice, and other critters that can crawl into your home. If you have a chimney or roof vent, be sure these are properly screened and that they’re not blocked by leaves or debris.

Clean Up Food Scraps

When food is not properly stored and disposed of in retail or hospitality settings, it can attract pests like rodents, ants, and beetles. These pests can carry bacterial and viral pathogens that cause illness and even death in humans, as well as contaminate foods with their droppings.

The best way to prevent this is to store food in sealed containers, especially when it’s not being used, and to dispose of scraps in a garbage or compost container. Food scraps can include plate scraps, leftover food that has gone bad, and any other type of kitchen waste. It’s also important to clean up any litter that could attract and house pests, such as paper wrappers, cans, glass and plastic bottles, food boxes, and more.

Standing water is another big problem in many locations and can be dangerous, both indoors and out. It’s a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can spread diseases and other problems, as well as a place where some insects lay their eggs, including disease-carrying flies and beetles. In addition to preventing pests, it’s important to clear away any clogged gutters or drains that can trap water.

Keep Your Pets Indoors

Rodents are wild animals that do things that can make people sick, such as tularemia, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM). The droppings and urine of rodents also create holes in your house that allow water to enter and cause damage. The dried feces of mice and rats can irritate asthma and allergies. They also can leave traces of feces in food.

The best way to prevent pests is through a combination of preventive measures. Seal cracks and gaps, and use caulk to fill small crevices. Keep debris, clutter, and garbage out of crawl spaces, basements, and attics. Install door sweeps on outside doors and keep screens on chimneys and vent openings in good shape. Clutter also provides places for pests to hide, so clear away stacks of papers and boxes.

Other preventive steps include using Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This approach emphasizes treating only pests that are observed and identified, rather than spraying the entire house or yard. It includes scouting and monitoring for pests, including rodents, cockroaches, ants, fleas, and mosquitoes. In addition to identifying problem areas, IPM strategies include cleaning, sealing entry points, and using baits to control infestations.

Maintaining a pest-free home is essential to the health and safety of family members and pets. Insects and rodents can contaminate food and damage homes, and long-term exposure to pesticides can harm people and pets, especially young children and the elderly. To help prevent pests, follow the tips above and contact your local pest control company for help when necessary. For more information, see our guide for building residents, which offers tips on pest maintenance, reporting pest problems to building managers and supervisors, and safely handling and using pesticides.

Keep Your Pets Out of Your Home

Pests like rodents, cockroaches, mosquitoes, and earwigs can be carriers of diseases. Rodents can spread Hantavirus, cockroaches trigger allergies and asthma, and mosquitoes spread Zika virus and West Nile Virus. The best way to prevent these pests is to be proactive with pest control and avoid bringing them into your home.

Rodents, termites, carpenter ants, and wood-destroying bees and wasps can cause costly damage to your home’s structure. These pests can also ruin your clothing, books, and furniture. Pest prevention is key to protecting your belongings and keeping your house looking good.

Most pests are attracted to food and crumbs, so it’s important to store all your food in sealed containers wipe down countertops, and vacuum the carpeting regularly. Despite your efforts, even the cleanest homes sometimes get invaded by pests. This is because the garage, sheds, or outbuildings might have trash, spilled pet food, or rotting produce that attracts pests.

While most homeowners take care to keep their homes clean, many neglect other areas, such as the garage or outbuildings. This can lead to pest infestations in these areas, especially since they might be closer to your house than your backyard.

Make sure to scout these areas for signs of pests regularly – check out the garage, sheds, and other outbuildings for nests or gnaw marks in the siding, insulation, or woodwork; look for rodent droppings, scat, or tracks; and monitor the vegetation around your building for unusual growth patterns. A pest maintenance plan should also include monitoring for weeds and other plants, which might indicate the presence of pathogens that could be harmful to humans or pets. A regular scouting and monitoring routine can help you spot problems before they become severe, minimizing the amount of pesticides needed for effective and safe pest management.

Keep Your Home Clean

Pests can be more than just an annoyance, they can cause property damage and even health problems. Pests like mice and cockroaches can contaminate food and everyday items, and their droppings and discarded body parts can trigger asthma and allergies in many people. Moreover, some pests bite or sting (real or perceived), like spiders, wood wasps, and yellow jackets. Others stain, tarnish or discolor, like carpet beetles and bed bugs, or suck blood (like ticks, fleas, and cluster flies), causing serious health concerns.

The best way to prevent a pest infestation is to keep the house clean and clear of clutter. This makes it harder for rodents and bugs to hide and reduces the number of places where they can breed and feed. It’s also easier to get rid of a pest problem once it starts if you catch it early.

Regular cleaning routines can include sweeping and vacuuming, sanitizing high-traffic areas like counters and kitchen islands, disinfecting door handles, television remotes, and light switches, wiping down appliances, and regular dusting of walls, ceilings, and furniture. Using disinfectant wipes is simple and convenient, and helps kill germs that can spread to other surfaces.

Practicing good hygiene is essential for keeping pests away, and is especially helpful after a pest control treatment. In addition, residents need to report building maintenance issues to their apartment management and building staff.

Nurture Your Oral Health With Our Dentistry Guide

Celeste Richards Uncategorized
Oral Health

As children develop, they learn that oral health is an important part of their overall health. They are taught to brush their teeth twice a day and to visit the dentist regularly for checkups.

Good daily oral care routines yield healthy teeth and gums that last a lifetime. However, poor habits create tooth decay, infections and a host of other dental and overall health problems.

Brush Twice a Day

Whether you’re a dentist or a patient, you’ve heard it before: brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes is non-negotiable. You might be tempted to take a shortcut or skip a brushing when you’re busy, but if you do, you could be putting your oral health at risk.

The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, and while most are completely harmless, some types of bacteria wreak havoc on your oral health. These harmful bacteria can wear away at protective tooth enamel, cause gum disease, and lead to other serious health issues if they’re not removed promptly. Brushing your teeth twice a day helps to remove these bacteria and prevent their damage.

If you go longer than 24 hours without brushing, bacteria and food particles begin to build up on your teeth, causing tooth decay and other dental problems. Moreover, the longer you wait to brush again, the more acid your teeth will be exposed to. This prolonged acid exposure leads to tooth erosion, which can weaken your enamel and leave you with cracked or broken teeth.

By brushing regularly, you can help remove sugars and other food particles from your teeth before they can wreak damage. Plus, a regular brushing routine can help you maintain your beautiful smile.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your daily brushing routine, try switching out your toothpaste with one that has baking soda. This can help reduce the acid in your mouth, preventing bacterial erosion. Additionally, you can also use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

Floss Daily

If you’re someone who regularly brushes their teeth but struggles to get into the habit of flossing, you’re not alone. The simple act of pulling a strand of floss out of your gums can be hard to do consistently, but it’s one of the best ways to reduce your chance of gum disease and keep those pesky lingering bits of food from getting stuck between your teeth.

The American Dental Association recommends that you floss at least once a day, either in the morning or at night before you go to bed. Some people find it easiest to make it part of their morning routine while others prefer to do it right before they head to bed so that plaque and bacteria doesn’t build up in their mouth over the course of an entire night.

Flossing removes the bacteria that collect in those difficult to reach places in your mouth, such as in between your teeth and along the gumline. This prevents the formation of tartar, which can lead to periodontal disease if left untreated. Gum disease is linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

It’s also important to choose the right type of floss for your needs. There are two main types of dental floss: nylon and PTFE. Both can be effective, but it’s best to talk to your dentist about the different kinds and how they work before making a decision.

Once you’ve found a floss that works for you, stick with it! The more consistent you are with your flossing, the easier it will become to do. Try to make it part of your daily routine and keep your floss in a spot where you can see it (like on your bathroom counter or by your toothbrush).

Like any other habit, the key is to start early. Many parents begin teaching their children how to floss as soon as they have their first tooth, and it’s something that should continue throughout life. Eventually, you’ll learn to love the feeling of digging out a piece of popcorn from between your teeth or removing that last bit of spinach from your lower gum line!

Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regardless of how well you brush and floss your teeth, you need to visit your dentist on a regular basis. This is the foundation of preventive dentistry and allows for a full oral examination, professional cleaning, and treatment of any issues that are caught early. This saves you time, pain and money in the long run.

Your dentist and hygienist are trained to spot small problems that you may not see or feel. Some of these include cavities, crooked teeth, and gum disease (gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gum tissues around your teeth and can lead to periodontitis). Visiting your dentist regularly also allows them to spot other health issues like cancer and diabetes.

The main reason to visit your dentist regularly is that they are trained to spot and treat dental problems before they become major concerns. For example, a small cavity that goes unnoticed can turn into a big problem that requires drilling and filling. Untreated gum disease can progress to more severe gum disease, and a broken tooth that goes unnoticed could lead to future broken teeth.

Additionally, your dentist can identify issues that you may not even be aware of like a jaw injury or swollen lymph nodes. They can then recommend that you visit a medical professional who can help with the issue.

A good rule of thumb is to make a dental appointment every six months, although your dentist will assess your risk and recommend an individualized exam and cleaning schedule. Generally, most dental insurance plans cover two exams and professional cleanings per year.

If you are pregnant, your dentist will likely suggest that you schedule more frequent professional cleanings and dental appointments due to hormonal changes in the body that make a woman more susceptible to gingivitis and other oral conditions. Pregnant women with poor oral health are more prone to miscarriage and lower birth rates due to complications arising from pregnancy. A healthy mouth can ensure a happier and healthier you!

Eat a Healthy Diet

In addition to preventing tooth decay and gum disease, good oral hygiene also promotes overall health. Studies show that the bacteria in your mouth can be carried to other parts of your body, contributing to issues like endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of your heart) and pregnancy complications.

Dental Trauma Guide

The dental trauma guide is a comprehensive online resource for all aspects of Dental trauma management. It includes treatment guidelines for both primary and permanent teeth. It has been developed in cooperation with Copenhagen University Hospital. The dental trauma guide is a must have for every dental practitioner.