Why Cleaning Grease Traps Is So Important During the Winter

December 7, 2021

Why should you clean your grease traps during the winter? Just because the weather is a bit colder doesn’t mean that you don’t have to maintain your grease traps appropriately. Maintaining your grease traps in the winter is the key to maintaining good plumbing and kitchen safety.

In the winter, grease solidifies a lot faster than it does in the warmer months. It’s much more likely that you’ll experience a clog or complete obstruction, sometimes before the grease and cooking oil can even make its way to the trap. That can cause expensive plumbing problems.

Here’s an overview of why you need to maintain your grease traps in the winter.

What happens to grease traps in the winter

All fats, oils and grease (FOG) solidify when they cool—and in the winter, they do so much faster. Normally, hot FOG moves down the drain and into the grease trap, where it’s caught and removed later as it builds up. In winter, that process happens a lot more quickly. If grease is left to accumulate in the pipes, it won’t be long until there’s a blockage—even if you are diligent about scraping plates before they’re washed. Commercial kitchens put out billions of pounds of used cooking oil every year, and that adds up fast.

While the grease trap does help trap and contain grease for easy removal later, it’s even more important to maintain the grease traps in the winter. The solidified grease will build up faster and could impede the functionality of your plumbing and grease trap.

Keeping up with regular maintenance is the best way to ensure your grease traps continue to serve your restaurant or commercial kitchen properly.

Grease trap maintenance tips

Here are some easy grease trap maintenance tips to keep your kitchen running smoothly year-round:

  • Inspect the grease trap regularly: Regular grease trap inspection can help you spot problems before they become major issues, and they’ll also help you make sure everything is proceeding smoothly. If you notice any problems appearing in your grease trap, call a maintenance and repair company as soon as possible.
  • Be proactive about repairs: When you notice a problem, make sure to get it repaired immediately. The sooner you address a problem with a damaged or malfunctioning grease trap, the sooner you’ll be able to get back to business as usual—without the threat of a major plumbing issue or municipal fines hanging over your head.
  • Clean regularly: Finally, have your grease trap cleaned regularly to prevent harmful buildup. Your technician will be able to help spot new problems with your grease trap, so you’ll stay protected.

Cleaning and maintaining your grease trap is a key part of running a commercial or service kitchen, even in the wintertime. Don’t let the cooler weather fool you—maintenance for your grease traps in the winter is just as important as maintenance in the summertime. For grease trap cleaning and service, get in touch with the team at Safeway Used Oil & Grease today.

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