The Importance of Having a Clean Grease Trap in Your Restaurant

Any veteran restaurant owner would tell you that having a proper grease trap in their kitchen is an integral part of the business. If you’re new to the industry or are thinking of getting into it, you might be asking why is a clean grease trap important. 

Before any of that, what, first, is a grease trap?

As its name suggests, a grease trap is a segment in the kitchen wastewater system that traps fats, oils, and grease (FOG). It’s important to separate this kitchen debris from the wastewater otherwise it will end up in the sewage system, which may cause pollution and other problems later on. 

FOG can prove to be even more problematic later on because it causes a buildup in the pipes, which can also cause clogging in the drains. These may sound like little problems, but left unaddressed, they can lead to much bigger problems down the line — especially for businesses involving kitchens. 

Here are some other reasons why a clean grease trap is crucial not only for sanitation but also for the success of the business. 

Clogs, Backups, and Overflows

The damage and impact of unclean grease traps can be serious and far-reaching. From clogged drain pipes and backups to overflowing sewage lines, accumulated FOG can lead to unsanitary and poor health environments, affecting your immediate business and your community. 

FOG buildup actually smells very bad too, which can affect the food preparation in your business. That’s why it’s important to clean grease traps regularly. 

Corrosion

Did you know that sulfuric acid can be produced from rotting food and water? When this happens, it can lead to corrosion in the pipes and tanks. This can cause even more serious problems in your kitchen, such as burst pipes or leaks.

When you neglect the grease trap, you run the risk of damaging it with developed corrosion. Most people don’t realize that damaged grease traps cannot be repaired, only replaced.

This, of course, would mean having to spend extra, both for the replacement part and the cost of labor to make the replacement. 

Fines and Loss of Business

How often do restaurants clean their grease traps? Ideally, it should be at least once a month. This should be sufficient enough to get rid of the buildup. There are, of course, other telltale signs for you to know it’s time to get the grease traps cleaned. But preferably, you don’t have to wait for these signs. 

 Slow drainage, foul smell, and grease trails around the workspace are just some of the more telling signs you need to get cleaning. These indications usually appear only when the buildup is already severe, so don’t wait for these to occur. Otherwise, fines and penalties may be imposed due to your neglect, which, ultimately, could impact your business. In some cases, it could even lead to closure. 

So although you may not think much about cleaning grease traps, it is a very important part of your kitchen business, so pay close attention to it.

Categorised in: Grease Trap Cleaning