What is a grease trap?
A grease trap is a plumbing device designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system. Common wastewater contains small amounts of oils which enter into septic tanks and treatment facilities to form a floating scum layer.
Cooking with grease can be messy, and if not disposed of properly, it can lead to costly and disgusting problems. When fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are poured down the drain, they can accumulate in the sewer system and cause blockages. This can result in problems for local water treatment facilities and clogged sewer lines in the neighborhood. To prevent these issues, a grease trap is necessary.
Also known as a grease converter, grease recovery device, or grease interceptor, a grease trap is a plumbing fixture designed to intercept most solids and greases before they enter the sewer waste system. These traps come in a variety of sizes, from 35 liters to 45,000 liters, and can be constructed from a range of materials, including cast iron, concrete, plastics, and stainless steel. They can be located in areas such as inside and outside the kitchen, and above and below ground.
Greas Trap Installation
Determine the Appropriate Size and Location
The size of the grease trap needed for your commercial kitchen will depend on the amount of grease generated during cooking. You can consult a professional plumber to determine the appropriate size for your establishment.
It is also important to choose a location for the grease trap that is easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance. The ideal location is typically near the kitchen sink or dishwasher.
Purchase and Install the Grease Trap
Once you have determined the appropriate size and location, purchase a grease trap that meets your needs. There are various types of grease traps available, including automatic, gravity, and passive hydro mechanical traps.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly install the grease trap. It is important to properly connect the grease trap to the kitchen sink or dishwasher, as well as to the plumbing system.
Grease Trap Cleaning
Schedule Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of the grease trap is essential to ensure it functions properly. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the size of the grease trap and the amount of grease generated during cooking. Typically, a grease trap should be cleaned every three to four months.
Prepare for Cleaning
Before cleaning the grease trap, turn off all equipment that produces grease and remove any debris or food particles from the sink or dishwasher. Wear protective gloves and clothing to avoid contact with the grease.
Remove the Grease
Using a scoop or scraper, remove the accumulated grease from the grease trap and place it into a container for disposal. It is important to properly dispose of the waste grease according to local regulations.
Clean the Grease Trap
Using a hose or pressure washer, clean the interior of the grease trap to remove any remaining grease or debris. Be sure to clean all surfaces thoroughly, including the baffles and walls of the grease trap.
Reinstall the Grease Trap
Once the grease trap has been cleaned, reinstall it and turn on any equipment that produces grease. Monitor the grease trap regularly to ensure it continues to function properly.
Types of Grease Traps
There are three different types of grease traps: gravity, automatic, and passive hydro mechanical (manual). The first two are mainly used for large installations like restaurants or hotels, while the passive hydro mechanical grease trap is used in homes.
Passive Hydro mechanical (Manual) Grease Trap
The passive hydro mechanical grease trap is a traditional passive system commonly used in smaller establishments, including homes. These are smaller, point-of-use units installed beside kitchen dishwashers or used under three-compartment sinks. They’re preferred due to their small initial investment and maintenance costs.
Naturally, the passive hydro mechanical grease trap has up to 100gpm handling capacity. Any waste exceeding this maximum allowable flow should be left to either the automatic grease receptor or the gravity receptor as they allow for more handling capacity.
Manual grease trap designs date back to the Victorian days. Nathaniel Whiting was the first person to obtain a patent for a grease trap. Grease traps are usually constructed from stainless steel or plastic and must be cleaned occasionally.
Gravity Grease Trap
A gravity grease trap is a large, underground tank that intercepts FOG from waste water. Gravity grease traps rely on the difference in density between the FOG and water to separate the two. The FOG floats on top of the water, while the heavier solids sink to the bottom. The water in the middle flows through the tank and out to the sewer system.
Automatic Grease Trap
An automatic grease trap is similar to a gravity trap in design, but it uses a pump to automatically remove FOG and other debris from the wastewater. These traps are typically used in larger commercial kitchens, such as those found in restaurants and hospitals.
Need Grease Trap Cleaning Services or Grease Traps for Commercial Kitchens? We are here for you. You can call our team 24/7 on 01753358612 we understand that some situations require urgent attention, and we will always do our best to deal with any issues you have as soon as possible. JVC Wet Waste Based in London we cover areas across the whole of Southeast England.
