What Are Grease Traps?
A grease trap, also known as a grease interceptor or grease recovery device, is a plumbing device designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system. They are commonly used in commercial kitchens, restaurants, and food service establishments where large amounts of fats, oils, and grease are present in wastewater. The purpose of a grease trap is to prevent fats, oil, and grease from entering the sewer system, where they can solidify and cause blockages and other plumbing problems.
Over time, the constant interaction with food waste and wastewater can cause the grease trap to wear out to the point it needs to be replaced. Here is a quick guide to grease trap replacements for busy business owners.
Signs It Is Time to Replace Grease Traps
Grease traps are generally prominent in commercial establishments. Some are underneath dishwashers or cleaning sinks, while others are buried behind the establishment. Grease traps need frequent maintenance to ensure that they are removing fats efficiently. The main source of maintenance is grease trap pumping.
The constant contact with sewage and the frequent pumping can cause grease traps to incur damage. At some point, grease trap replacement may be necessary. Here are some signs that the grease trap needs to be replaced:
- Clogs
- Foul odors
- Leaks
- Holes
- Overflows
- Frequent pumping
- Corrosion
Choices for New Grease Traps
When it comes time for grease trap installation, owners should know their options. If a grease trap is already in service, the most important question is answered: how much capacity is needed in the grease trap? Once this answer is known, owners can decide between three different options:
- Automatic Grease Traps: Automatic grease traps are the easiest grease traps to maintain. These use powered skimmers to remove grease that has settled out of the wastewater so they are more easily discarded.
- Concrete Gravity Grease Traps: The most common type of grease trap, these use baffles to allow water and grease to separate.
- Hydromechanical Grease Traps: Hydromechanical grease traps are similar to concrete grease traps in that there are no moving parts. Generally, these are smaller, more affordable, and plastic.
Trust the Professionals
If a business requires a grease trap, it is certain that it has some degree of government regulation. This allows the city to protect its infrastructure and regulate the sanitation of food service facilities. Due to this, it is always recommended, and in many cases required, that owners always use professional grease trap services.
A reliable grease trap service will be used regularly for grease trap pumping, so in most cases, owners will use the contractor's expertise in grease trap installation. Owners can avoid fines and business closures by using professional contractors while protecting their sewer lines and the city's sewer lines.
About Capital City Septic Services
Capital City Septic Services is the septic and grease trap service that locals trust. This family-owned business takes pride in the personalized service available even on weekends. Call today for grease trap service in Tallahassee, FL.
