Learning About Alternative Energy Options

The Do's And Don'ts Of Grease Trap Maintenance

3 June 2016 by Nathaniel Pearson

Grease traps are designed to do exactly what their name indicates: safely trap all grease that's left over from cooking and keep it from getting into the public sewer line. These traps are usually found in large commercial kitchens where bigger volumes of grease are produced. In order to prevent fires, smells, and even pest problems, the grease trap needs to be properly cared for and regularly maintained. Here are a few things you should do to keep your kitchen's grease trap clean and a few things you should avoid doing in order to prevent problems from occurring.

Dos

When it comes to keeping up your grease trap, you should do the following:

• Let kitchen staff know to remove solid foods and large debris before pouring grease into the trap to avoid clogs.
• Ensure that all sinks and other receptacles are already linked or tied to the grease trap before cooking.
• Schedule regular maintenance and cleaning with a local service provider.
• Choose companies who will dispose of the grease in a safe, environmentally-friendly way.
• Run occasional tests to make sure that everything is flowing smoothly and there are no clogs or other issues before operating the trap.
• Check to make sure the trap you're currently using is the appropriate size for the volume of grease it needs to contain.
• Keep a written record of all grease trap cleanings and maintenance done to it so you have plenty of documentation about the frequency it has been cared for.

Don'ts

When it comes to taking care of your kitchen's grease trap, there are definitely some things you should avoid doing. Some examples include the following:

• Never pour boiling water into the grease trap. This can cause the grease to liquefy, making it easier for the grease flow out of the trap.
• Don't link your grease trap to the garbage disposal or else this could spell disaster. The garbage disposal is not designed to handle heavy volumes of grease, and the trap is certainly not capable of handling garbage, even if it has been shredded or pulverized.
• Do not pour chemicals into the grease trap such as bleach or other harsh cleaners. This will kill off the active enzymes designed to break the grease down, and it can also damage the integrity of the grease trap over time.
• Avoid hiring a grease trap cleaning company who does not thoroughly explain to you the cleaning process. They should also let you know about their disposal methods so you're sure it's being disposed of safely.

Follow these helpful tips about what you should and shouldn't do so that your grease trap functions smoothly and you're getting rid of waste the safe, proper way.

For more information, contact a company like Tierra Environmental & Industrial Services.