Purchasing a grease trap can often feel like a one-and-done situation. During selection and installation, taking a hands-off approach may seem like the clearest path forward, but ensuring thorough maintenance of your new system is key. Not only can proper maintenance elongate your grease trap’s life, it can protect your business from unexpected fines. Proper care of your grease trap requires knowledge of the system as a whole, so, we’ve written this article to arm you with the understanding needed to keep your grease trap functioning well.
What is a Grease Trap?
Imagine that your water pipes are like arteries. Without the right care and maintenance over time, fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) will build up, resulting in dangerous blockages. To prevent these blockages, the EPA requires facilities to install grease interceptors, commonly referred to as “grease traps,” which ensure that all pipes remain clean and running smoothly.
Grease traps often come in two sizes. Smaller versions are designed for indoor connection to a sink or other water fixture with a total flow of fewer than 50-100 gallons per minute (GPM). On the other hand, larger grease traps are best suited for flows greater than 100 GPM. These larger interceptors are installed underground, on the outside of the facility, to service the flow of entire establishments.
Ultimately, these traps work by slowing down the movement of warm, grease-filled water. As this water is slowed, it begins to cool, allowing FOGs to float to the top while the water continues to run through the pipe and into the sewer.
What’s the Difference Between the Two Sizes?
Despite both being used for the same purpose, these two designs are uniquely suited to certain applications. As you can imagine, smaller grease traps are intended for facilities that produce minimal amounts of grease. In comparison, larger traps are crucial for highly trafficked facilities that produce more grease by-product.
These larger grease traps rely on time and gravity to separate FOGs, which weigh about 80% less than water. The increased size allows the grease-filled water to remain in the tank for longer periods of time, allowing gravity to work its magic. These grease traps require routine, professional cleaning, and maintenance to ensure they continue functioning properly over time.
Rather than relying on gravity, smaller grease traps utilize internal baffles, or plastic walls that prevent grease from flowing easily with the water. These baffles lengthen the flow path, providing more time and space for separation. The FOGs that solidify at the top of the tank, as well as any food solids that may have fallen to the bottom, must be cleaned often to ensure proper functioning, but can usually be completed without routine scheduling.
Staying on top of your routine cleanings is crucial to avoid any governmental backlash and fines. Because grease traps are a required add-on for many businesses, inspectors will often show up, randomly, to ensure your traps are being serviced according to the recommended frequency of every three months. Having your grease trap serviced in ordinance with these requirements can help you stay on top of inspections and avoid any excess costs that can result.
At Environmental Remedies, we have the equipment and experience to get the job right. Unlike other grease trap services, we not only remove your grease but transport it for disposal at our on-site wastewater treatment facility. Looking to schedule a grease trap cleaning? Check out our full grease trap cleaning services, or get started by requesting a quote.