Grease Trap Maintenance 101

September 22, 2018

When you have a commercial kitchen, it’s important you stay on top of your general maintenance, including grease trap cleaning in New Orleans, LA. A grease trap (also referred to as a grease pit or grease interceptor) is a piece of equipment connected to a sink in an area designated for food prep. These traps could be above or below the ground and are made out of plastic (or, in some cases, metal).

The idea is that the grease trap will collect any grease that runs down the sink, preventing it from entering the drain lines. This is important because as grease collects and congeals in the drain, it could create blockages and some significant plumbing issues.

The grease trap will take care of business for only so long before you need to clear it out. So what all is involved with grease trap cleaning? Here’s some good information to keep in mind.

Servicing a grease trap

You should make it a priority to have your grease trap cleaned and serviced on a regular basis. You’ll want to work with a professional to get this done—this helps you ensure that not only does the trap get thoroughly cleaned, but the grease also is properly disposed of.

How often do you need to have your grease trap cleaned? The biggest consideration is that you should not wait until your grease trap is so full that it will hamper your plumbing in any way. Allowing grease to build up in the grease trap will result in there being nowhere else for the grease to go other than down into the drain lines.

You don’t want to have a buildup of fat and congealed grease in your drains. Instead, have technicians come out and inspect your grease trap on a quarterly or monthly basis, or whatever the local regulations in your area call for (you may have a set frequency for your area). It’s good to have a built-in service schedule with your technician so you don’t have to worry about remembering to set up appointments.

Typically, the inspection will cover parts such as the cover, gaskets, bolts, rods, baffle, baskets, strainers and screens, and will also include checks of the flow of the trap and checks for leaks.

Best practices for using your grease trap

Beyond cleaning your grease trap regularly, there are some other steps you should take to keep your grease trap in good condition.

First and foremost, you should always avoid pouring grease down the drain line, as this could cause major backups. Grease will harden in the line, causing it to get narrower, and will ultimately result in water backing up into the sink or on to the floor.

Next, make sure you’ve educated all your employees about the risks of putting grease or food scraps down the sink.

Finally, have a trusted service provider with whom you can schedule service when needed.

Contact Safeway Used Oil and Grease to learn more about grease trap cleaning in New Orleans, LA.

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