Restaurants, commercial kitchens, and facilities where large volumes of wastewater are produced daily are required by law to have grease traps on their premises. A grease trap is a device with a series of baffled chambers for trapping the FOG – fat, oil, or grease – in wastewater.
Grease traps help to keep fats, oils and grease out of municipal sewer systems. That is because of the potential harm these substances can cause if they are allowed to flow into the sewer line. Inside the sewer system, fats, grease, and oil harden to become problematic fatbergs warns Mark Brower property management team.
Grease traps prevent this by collecting FOG where this waste is generated. However, to play this role effectively, grease traps need to be cleaned periodically. That is because grease traps lose their efficiency as they fill up.
Regular grease trap cleaning is good for the longevity of grease traps and the protection of the private and public sewer systems. As the owner or operator of a facility where wastewater with a lot of fat, oil and grease is generated, how should you maintain your grease traps?
Why grease trap cleaning and maintenance is necessary
Every year, the EPA estimates that there are around 40,000 cases of sanitary sewer overflows in the United States (2009 figures). Out of these 40,000 overflows, a full 5,000 -17,000 are due to blockages caused by fats, oils and grease.
Apart from the massive property damage caused by these problems and the high cost of fixing them, these issues also threaten public health. FOG in home and city sewer systems is a major factor in many cities’ water quality problems.
Due to the seriousness of the issue, city health and sanitary authorities have clear guidelines for how grease traps should be cleaned and the grease inside them disposed of. Failing to comply with these rules can hurt your business, resulting in huge fines or even business closure.
Creating a cleaning and maintenance schedule for your grease trap
How often should you clean your grease trap?
Because of the volume of wastewater generated in non-residential facilities, grease traps in these locations tend to fill up very quickly. As a consequence of this, the grease traps in such locations require cleaning according to the following rules:
The 25% rule
Most cities require grease traps to be cleaned when they are 25% full or every three months (whichever comes first). Depending on the size of the trap and the amount of grease used in the kitchen, you may have to clean your grease trap every month or quarterly.
Proper record-keeping
In addition to cleaning the grease trap, you are expected to maintain detailed records of your grease trap cleaning schedule. These records should include dates, the cleaning method used and the contractor’s name. That is to ensure compliance with the rules.
Follow the 25% rule
You must follow the 25% rule. That is because grease traps become less efficient when they are 25% full. The 25% rule also helps prolong the life of your grease trap because it forces you to clean and maintain the grease trap more often.
General steps for cleaning a grease trap
- Disconnect the trap from the plumbing line to prevent wastewater from entering the trap while you are cleaning it.
- Remove the cover of the grease trap by prying it open with a pry bar or a wrench. Do this carefully.
- Dip a measuring stick into the trap to estimate the amount of FOG inside. Make sure the measuring stick touches the bottom of the trap.
- Remove any water inside the trap by scooping it into a bucket or using a shop vacuum.
- Scrape any remaining grease and solids with a scraper. Make sure to also do this for the baffle. Dump the grease in a recommended bag or container for proper disposal later.
- Clean the sides of the grease trap, lid and baffles with hot water and a high-pressure hose.
- If necessary, use a degreaser, enzyme, or solvent to remove difficult grease.
- Reassemble the grease trap components and replace the cover.
Other essential grease trap maintenance tips
Grease trap cleaning and maintenance does not end with cleaning your grease trap. The things you do after cleaning the grease trap also matter. While it is recommended that you leave grease trap cleaning to the experts, the following steps can be done by anyone.
- Always recycle grease if you can.
- Never dump grease directly into the drain.
- Scrape leftovers from plates and bowls before putting them in the dishwasher.
Finally, you want to ensure your grease trap is the right size for the volume of wastewater your facility generates and that there is proper grease trap installation.