Grease trap cleaning is one way industries can maintain their compliance with regulations and ensure that their operations run smoothly without repeated equipment breakdowns and costly repairs.
Essentially, investing in industrial cleaning services is the ideal maintenance protocol for industries that deal with vast amounts of waste and are bound by high levels of safety, quality, and sustainability standards.
Let’s look at why you should consider investing in grease trap cleaning services!
What is a Grease Trap and How Does It Work?
A grease trap, sometimes known as a grease interceptor, is a box-shaped device designed to remove fats, oils, and grease from wastewater before it is released into the sewer system. Grease traps come in a variety of sizes and depending on the volume of grease managed, can be stored under sinks or even as underground interceptors.
Without these filtering helpers, grease and oil can accumulate in pipes and lead to blockages, leaks, odors, and costly plumbing repairs.
It is a filtration system used in grease-heavy industries such as restaurants, commercial kitchens, and food processing facilities.
Essentially, grease traps slow down wastewater flow, which then allows heavier fats and oils to cool and easily separate from water. Since grease is less dense than water, it rises to the top, while food particles settle at the bottom. This separation enables the cleaner water to flow out of the trap and into the sewage system.
Due to the cumulative nature of grease and its ability to clog and fester, regular grease trap cleaning maintenance is essential to keeping grease traps working efficiently and preventing further operational setbacks.
Importance Of Regular Grease Trap Cleaning
There are many case studies of the damage posed by overflowing grease traps. One such case is of a restaurant in London that was fined £8,000 after its grease build-up caused sewage to flood the streets. Don’t become such a statistic and invest in grease trap maintenance! The following are the key reasons why.
1. Prevents Costly Plumbing Issues & Blockages
Since grease-heavy industries are constantly using grease traps, it is most likely that they will experience issues such as clogs and backups down the line. By investing in maintenance, businesses can avert costly repairs and heavy financial losses due to production delays.
2. Ensures Compliance with Health & Environmental Regulations
Health and environmental organizations have very strict rules regarding waste removal and grease disposal. If businesses prioritize regular cleaning, they will most likely be compliant with governmental regulations and won’t have to worry that they’ll be heavily fined or shut down due to improper waste disposal.
3. Eliminates Unpleasant Odors & Improves Sanitary Conditions
Often, food particles, grease, and oil build up in grease traps and become the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria and unpleasant odors. For businesses like restaurants where cleanliness and food safety are foundational to success and reputation, the importance of having a clean and sanitary kitchen cannot be overemphasized. A clean kitchen means healthy staff and customers.
4. Reduces the Risk of Pest Infestations
Grease and rotting food particles can become a magnet to pests and bugs. Cleaning grease traps will reduce the risks of kitchen infestation and, even more importantly, any unexpected closures from surprise inspections. Maintaining areas and processing equipment clean will assist companies in reducing unwanted critters and promote staff and consumer wellbeing.
5. Enhances Kitchen Efficiency & Workplace Safety
Overall, clean grease traps will prevent leaks and overflows which could create slippage and accidents. If traps are not maintained properly, hazards like fires, mold, and plumbing backups can also occur, putting employees and customers at risk.
How Often Should You Clean Your Grease Trap?
How often you clean your grease traps truly depends on your industry, the size of your operations, and how much grease and oil you use weekly. However, there are suggested industry protocols for grease trap cleaning that will prove helpful. We recommend the following:
- Small Businesses: Every 1-3 months
- High-Volume Restaurants: Monthly or bi-weekly
- Food Manufacturing Operations: Weekly or more frequently
- Grocery Stores and Supermarkets: Every 1-2 months, depending on the size of the deli, bakery, or prepared food sections
- Institutional and Government Facilities: Every 1-3 months, depending on kitchen size and meal volume of hospitals, schools, or prisons
Best Practices for Grease Trap Maintenance
1. Schedule regular professional cleanings
Hiring professional grease trap cleaning services from companies like Environmental Remedies, and scheduling a routine cleaning session will keep your business compliant with regulations and safe from unprecedented operational glitches that could jeopardize your resources.
2. Train staff on proper grease disposal
New employees always have to undergo training in kitchen safety and sanitation protocols so that safety and hygiene hazard violations become a minimal threat. Employees need to be meticulous in disposing of food, never pour grease or oil down drains, and place strainers over the drain to catch food particles before they get washed down.
3. Use grease trap chemicals cautiously to prevent damage
You may be inspired to use certain chemical additives to break down grease, but be cautious! Some harsh chemicals or enzyme-based cleaners can damage grease traps or push grease further into the plumbing system, making the problem worse. Always consult with a professional cleaning service before taking matters into your own hands.
4. Track cleaning schedules and compliance
When you maintain detailed records of grease trap cleanings, you not only help your business stay organized but also ensure that it is compliant with health and safety regulations. For example, if any kitchen inspections occur randomly, these logs will be proof of proper maintenance and will protect your business from any unexpected fines and shutdowns.
Best Grease Trap Cleaning Services in Atlanta
If you are an Atlanta-based industry that uses grease traps, our passionate industrial cleaning team can help with maintenance cleaning.
Our grease trap cleaning services help clients have peace of mind that every aspect of maintenance is handled, from efficient pumping to deep cleaning and responsible waste disposal.
We are fully licensed and compliant and offer very competitive pricing. Invest in your business and get a quote from us today!