Grease Trap Perth prevents fats, oils, and greases (FOGS) from clogging kitchen drains, sewer lines, and the surrounding environment. Without one, FOG waste can solidify and cause backups and sewage overflows, damaging plumbing systems, and polluting water supplies.

Traditional gravity grease interceptors are large concrete vessels buried outside a restaurant. They need to be cleaned and pumped regularly.

The purpose of a grease trap is to separate fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from kitchen wastewater before it enters the sewer system. If this waste is not removed, it can cause blockages, which require costly plumbing repairs and may damage city sewer lines that carry raw sewage. These devices are important for restaurants and other establishments that prepare food, but they can also be helpful in homes with high-volume drains.

These devices can be made of metal or polyethylene. They have an inlet pipe and a series of baffle walls that slow down the flow of wastewater, allowing it to cool. Grease in the water will solidify and float to the top, while other waste sinks to the bottom. When it is time to clean the trap, a specialist uses a large hose to pump the grease into a storage tank, where it can be stored and recycled for other uses instead of being dumped in the environment.

There are three main types of grease traps: passive hydromechanical, automatic and gravity. Passive hydromechanical systems are typically the most affordable to purchase and install. The traps use a series of baffles to slow the flow of warm/hot wastewater, allowing it to cool. When the water cools, the grease will float to the top of the trap where it can be easily collected and removed from the kitchen. The traps must be cleaned a minimum of every 2-4 weeks with a biological FOG treatment solution that combines non-pathogenic bacteria, nutrients and enzymes to break down the FOG for easy removal from the kitchen.

An automatic system is usually more expensive than a passive hydromechanical trap, but it reduces the cost of labor. This type of system has sensors that detect the presence of FOG and automatically shuts down the outlet valve. The sensor also tracks the amount of water that flows through the trap, ensuring that the system is not overflowing. This system must be monitored by a professional to make sure it is working properly.

Grease Trap Installation

Grease traps are essential for restaurants, and many cities require that any establishment that prepares food have one installed. They reduce the amount of FOGS (fats, oils, and grease) that enters sewer systems and causes blockages and environmental damage. They are simply boxes within the drain run that separates kitchen sinks from the sewer system. They have a separate inlet and outlet, unlike a regular drain line, which only allows water to pass through. They are typically made of stainless steel or plastic, and can be located above ground, below ground, inside the kitchen, or outside on the building’s exterior.

A typical grease trap has an inlet pipe that draws wastewater through baffles to slow its movement, so the FOG can separate from the water. The cooled wastewater then passes to the exit pipe and into the sewer or septic system, while the separated grease collects in the trap until it can be professionally removed and disposed of.

The proper size of the grease trap is critical for effective operation. If the trap is too small, a large amount of FOG can bypass the trap and flow into plumbing systems and septic tanks, creating blockages and causing expensive repairs. A too-large grease trap can cause the same problems, as well as create sulfuric acid that damages septic systems and the surrounding environment.

An improperly installed grease trap can also fail to meet local regulations, potentially leading to a costly fine. To ensure your restaurant is compliant with all local and city laws, you should have a qualified plumber install the system. They will be familiar with all plumbing codes and can help you select the best model for your establishment.

It is important to train your staff in proper cooking oil disposal techniques to minimize the amount of FOG that makes its way into the grease trap. Educating employees on proper disposal methods, including using a strainer to catch and collect solids before throwing them away, can greatly reduce the amount of grease in your drains and the need for frequent cleaning or maintenance.

Grease Trap Maintenance

Grease traps are a crucial part of many restaurant kitchen systems. They reduce the amount of fats, oils and greases (FOGS) that reach sanitary sewer lines to prevent clogs and overflows. They are located between kitchen sinks and the sewer system, collecting FOG as it flows through the drain line. They can be built of a variety of materials, including concrete, steel, plastic or even cast iron.

A grease trap must be regularly cleaned to maintain proper function. A clogged grease trap can lead to wastewater backups and costly damages to kitchen equipment and structures. Almost every town and city has regulations that govern the operation of grease traps, including inspections to ensure businesses are keeping up with maintenance and keeping their devices in good working order.

If you own a business that has a grease trap, it’s important to keep up with routine cleaning and pumping. It’s recommended that you have a professional service handle this task, as they are familiar with the regulations and can help you stay on track with your compliance requirements.

A professional will first inspect the trap to see if it needs to be cleaned or pumped out. If the grease trap is full, they will drain it down to a quarter of capacity. This is important to prevent odors from building up and it also helps the trap work more efficiently.

The next step is to clean the trap with a commercial dishwasher detergent or chemical that dissolves grease. The key is to use cold water, as hot water will liquefy the grease and sludge making it more difficult to remove. Once the grease has been dissolved, a shop vacuum can be used to suction out the liquids from the trap and dispose of them properly.

During this process, it is crucial to be careful not to damage the baffles and gaskets of the trap. It is also important to not use products that contain enzymes, bleach or chemicals to “clean” a grease trap; these often kill the bacteria in the trap and/or liquefy the FOG and sludge allowing it to flow into the sewer system and causing costly blockages.

Grease Trap Repair

The food industry is a demanding business and there are many balls to keep in the air, from keeping the kitchen staff fed to making sure everything is clean and functioning correctly. One important piece of equipment that cannot be neglected is the grease trap. Keeping the grease trap properly maintained can extend its lifespan, protect your business from costly plumbing problems and avoid water company fines.

Grease trap clogs are not just inconvenient for your kitchen staff, they can also put your business out of commission until the problem is resolved. It is important to learn the five signs that your grease trap is in need of repair so you can schedule professional maintenance before it is too late.

Excessive Grease Buildup

If you notice excessive grease accumulation around your trap or in drainage pipes, this could be a sign that the baffle T isn’t functioning correctly. A faulty baffle can cause FOGS to bypass the trap and accumulate in areas they shouldn’t, leading to blockages and overflows.

Increased Maintenance Frequency

If your kitchen is experiencing more frequent clogs or backups, it may be time to replace the baffle T. An outdated baffle can become worn out from constant exposure to fats, oils and grease (FOGS) and may need to be replaced with a new, stronger one.

Broken Outlet Fitting and Cap

If the outlet fitting is missing or damaged, it can prevent wastewater from flowing out of the grease trap and into the sanitary sewer system. This can lead to costly backups and sewage overflow in your business’s kitchen and restaurant space.

Faulty Gasket

Over time, the rubber or metal gaskets in your grease trap can wear out and need to be replaced. Faulty gaskets can allow FOGS to escape the trap, leading to a less efficient and more odorous system.

Changing your gaskets is a quick and inexpensive way to improve the performance of your grease trap. If you have a metal grease trap, it is recommended that you replace the gasket with a stainless steel one to protect it from corrosion.