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.
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.