How Does a Grease Trap Work?

December 13, 2021

Need grease trap maintenance at your Holland, OH business? If you run a business with a commercial kitchen, you likely have a grease trap somewhere on the property. These containers collect fats, oils and greases that run through the drains during everyday kitchen operations, separating them from water and allowing them to be removed safely.

Here’s what you need to know about grease trap maintenance and the signs you should look for if you need grease trap cleaning at your Holland, OH property.

Why are grease traps important?

Many businesses with commercial kitchens need grease traps to collect the fats, oils and grease, keeping it out of the area’s sewer system. This limits the amount of grease and solids that enter sewer lines and water treatment facilities, preventing harmful contaminants from entering the water supply.

Grease traps also prevent sewer collection pipes from becoming clogged. Fats, oils and grease stick to the sides of pipes, preventing proper flow of water. Sewer line blockage can lead to overflows in manholes, storm drains and nearby waterways. Not only do clogged pipes cause an inconvenience in your life, but they can also cause serious public health issues.

How a grease trap works

In most food service businesses, all kitchen drains are routed to a grease trap. The trap separates grease and oils from wastewater, and the grease floats to the top and is manually removed as wastewater exits from an outlet pipe and into the city’s sewer system. Grease traps need periodic cleaning, and there are several methods (including the common pump or pump-and-return) that are mandated by local codes. Grease trap service providers remove the grease and oils and dispose of them in an environmentally-responsible way.

How to know when you need grease trap cleaning

Municipal regulations typically mandate how a grease trap is cleaned, which means you should always invest in a cleaning from a reputable, licensed service provider. How do you know when it’s time to invest in a cleaning? There are some signs to look for that indicate you need grease trap cleaning at your business. They include:

  • Slow drainage: If your drains are running slowly, it could be because your grease trap is in poor shape. Check your grease trap if your sinks are draining slowly.
  • Bad odors: Noticing a new, unpleasant odor? If you can’t locate the source inside your business, it could be coming from the grease trap. Fats, oils and grease decompose in the trap, and an overfull trap can leak foul odors.
  • Grease in unexpected places: If you spot grease in areas of your business where it shouldn’t be (like sinks), it could be a sign that your grease trap is clogged. The grease is trying to escape anywhere it can, and you should invest in a cleaning as soon as possible.

Staying on top of grease trap maintenance at your business saves you time, money and headaches. Contact Ace Diversified Services today to learn more about proper grease trap maintenance and schedule a cleaning when necessary.

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