Grease Traps vs. Grease Interceptors

May 8, 2020

In commercial kitchens and food preparation facilities, safe grease disposal is critical. Not only does safe grease disposal ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, it also improves workplace safety and hygiene for employees and customers alike. If you’re looking for a grease disposal solution for your business, it’s important to consider the difference between grease traps and grease interceptors in New Orleans, LA.

Both grease traps and grease interceptors are designed to trap suspended oils, grease and fatty particles from wastewater to prevent these contaminants from entering a plumbing system. Grease traps and grease interceptors help protect plumbing systems and reduce the risk of drain clogs and contamination, but these two devices aren’t exactly the same. There are a few key differences between a grease trap and a grease interceptor in New Orleans, LA that are important to consider before deciding which option is best for your business:

  • Size: The key difference between grease traps and grease interceptors in New Orleans, LA is their size. Grease traps are smaller devices that can range anywhere from 10 to 500 gallons, depending on the size of the facility. Grease interceptors, on the other hand, have a much higher capacity and can hold over 500 gallons. The size of a grease trap or interceptor should be chosen based on the needs of a facility and the rate of its grease production, use and disposal.
  • Maintenance needs: Another difference between grease traps and grease interceptors is their maintenance needs. Because grease traps are smaller than grease interceptors and have less holding capacity, they must be cleaned more frequently. In most cases, grease traps require monthly cleaning, while grease interceptors only need to be cleaned every three months. Precise maintenance needs vary widely depending on the size of the facility and the rate of grease use.
  • Water flow rate: Grease traps are designed for facilities with lower water flow rates of 50 gallons per minute or less. Facilities with higher water flow rates should be equipped with grease interceptors to accommodate the higher water pressure.
  • Placement: Because of the size difference between grease traps and grease interceptors in New Orleans, LA, these devices are typically placed in different locations in a facility’s plumbing system. Grease traps are generally installed beneath a kitchen sink to trap oil, grease and fat that goes down the drain. Grease interceptors, on the other hand, are installed underground or outside of the commercial facility because of their large size. The precise location of grease traps and grease interceptors is influenced by the floorplan, size and layout of the facility, in addition to any relevant ordinances and regulations that apply in that jurisdiction.

Grease traps and interceptor cleaning

If you’re looking for professional grease trap cleaning and disposal, reach out to Safeway Used Oil and Grease. We are a family company and a locally owned business with over 20 years of experience providing comprehensive grease disposal and recycling services to customers throughout our community. Our team will provide you with grease trap cleaning to get your commercial kitchen or food preparation facility operating safely, efficiently and effectively. Give us a call to request service today.

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