Everything you need to know about grease traps

What are grease traps?

So, first things first: what the heck is a grease trap? Well, it’s kind of a plumbing doo-hickey designed to snag fats, oils, and grease (like, we call them FOG) before they sneak into the main sewer system. These things seem okay when they’re hot and gooey, but man, as they cool they get all solid and can really mess up your pipes, causing pricey fixes.

That’s where the oil trap system comes in clutch. They slow down the flow of water, giving the fats and oils a chance to cool and split from the wastewater. The oils float to the top, while the water heads on through and exits into the sewage system. It’s simple but it does the trick to prevent those pesky clogged drains.

Stainless steel fat traps

When it comes to these grease traps, you have your pick of materials, but man, the stainless steel fat traps are, like, the hot ticket in commercial kitchens. Here’s why:

Firstly, they’re hardcore: Stainless steel don’t corrode, meaning it can handle constant exposure to grease and water without rusting or, you know, wearing down. That makes it the MVP for a busy kitchen where reliability is key.

Secondly, they’re easy to clean: One of the biggest upsides of a stainless steel fat trap is that it’s a cinch to clean and keep in shape. The smooth surface makes it easy to wipe off grease buildup, which is critical for keeping your grease trap in prime condition.

And finally, they’re in it for the long haul: Because stainless steel is so tough, a stainless steel fat trap lasts longer than other materials like plastic or fiberglass. Sure, it might cost a little more upfront, but in the end, you’re saving dollars.

So, If you’re thinking about a new grease trap, stainless steel seems a pretty good bet. It’s built to last and can keep pace with even the busiest commercial eateries.

Swan grease trap – Compact & efficient

Not all kitchens need, like, a giant grease trap. For smaller kitchens or those with less grease, the Swan grease trap is a pretty sweet pick. This compact grease trap is designed to be slick in smaller spaces without giving up performance.

The Swan grease trap is known for being suave, easy to install, and affordable. It’s often used in cafés, food trucks, or smaller restaurants where grease production isn’t as high as in larger commercial kitchens. Despite its size, it’s great at trapping fats and oils, stopping them from blocking your pipes. And it’s easy to clean, which is a win for busy kitchen staff.

Why an oil trap system is a must-have…

A good oil trap system is the backbone of your commercial kitchen’s plumbing. Without it, man, you’re looking at clogged pipes, foul odors, and some serious plumbing nightmares. An oil trap system makes sure that fats, oils, and grease don’t wind up in your sewage system, which could lead to expensive fines or even shutdowns from local health authorities.

How does an oil trap system work?

Everything starts when you’re washing dishes or cleaning up, when all the water from your kitchen drains gets into the grease trap. The grease trap takes things slow, enabling the fats, oils, and grease to float to the top while the water sinks to the bottom. The now cleaner water makes its way out of the trap and into the sewage system, while the FOG stays trapped.

Having a properly installed and maintained oil trap system is key to keeping your plumbing in check and avoiding costly repairs. And, it’s a must for any business that wants to stay on the good side of health inspectors.

Septic grease pumping

Of course, like any other part of your plumbing system, your grease trap need regular lovin’ to function properly. One of the most important things to do is septic grease pumping. Over time, grease traps fill up with heaps of fats, oils, and grease, which can make them less efficient or even stop them from working altogether.

Septic grease pumping is all about clearing out all that accumulated FOG from your grease trap. Depending on how busy your kitchen is and how much grease it produces, you’ll need to have it pumped from time to time, maybe every few weeks or every few months. If you don’t stay on top of it, you could end up with a blocked grease trap, which can cause some real headaches, like:

Blocked drains: A clogged grease trap can stop water from flowing freely through your pipes, leading to slow drains or even backups.

Nasty smells: All that grease sitting in your trap can start to stink after a bit, and no one wants that for ambience when they’re eating.

Health code violations: If your grease trap isn’t functioning as it should, you could fail a health inspection and face fines or even temporary closure.

So, how do you know when it’s time for septic grease pumping? If slow drains, bad smells, or if it’s been a while since your last pump, it’s time to call in the pros. They’ll clean out your grease trap, making sure it’s running efficiently and keeping your plumbing in top shape.

Advantages of regular grease trap maintenance

Looking after your grease trap isn’t just about avoiding plumbing issues. Regular maintenance is pretty beneficial:

It’s all about obeying the law: Most local health departments require restaurants and commercial kitchens to take care of their grease traps. By staying on top of septic grease pumping and cleaning, you’ll avoid fines and keep in line with the regulations.

You’re more efficient: A well-loved grease trap does its job better. It will separate fats, oils, and grease more effectively, keeping your pipes clear and your kitchen humming along.

Saving dollars: By catching small issues early, you can avoid major headache repairs down the line. Trust us, it’s a lot cheaper to clean a grease trap than fix a load of ruined pipes.

Conclusion

So if you run a commercial kitchen, having a tip-top grease trap system is non-negotiable. From choosing the right stainless steel fat trap to regular septic grease pumping, maintaining your grease trap ensures everything runs smoothly, and your business stays in good shape with health regulations. 

Maybe you’re looking for a compact Swan grease trap for your café, or need to totally revamp your entire oil trap system, keeping things clean and well-kept will save you money and stress in the long run.

So, make sure you stay on top of your grease trap maintenance, call in the experts when needed, and keep your kitchen operating at its best, alright?

For any queries related to  Grease Trap Services, reach out to our experienced professionals at United Septic and Grease.