Every commercial kitchen relies on a grease trap system to ensure that fats, oils, and grease (often referred to as FOG) don't enter the drainage system. These grease traps play a pivotal role in preventing build-up that can lead to blockages and nasty smells. However, like any essential part of a commercial kitchen, grease traps require regular maintenance. That's where Rider Drains' grease trap cleaning service comes into play.
A grease trap is a device designed to intercept and trap grease before it enters a restaurant's drainage system. Positioned often beneath a kitchen sink or in a restaurant's basement, it ensures that only clean water flows into the sewage system. This trap is an essential part of any commercial kitchen, ensuring that fatty oils and food waste don't clog the drain.
The grease trap cleaning procedure involves several steps:
Before starting the cleaning activities, it's essential to wear a nose plug to avoid unpleasant smells. Using a metal flashing, the lid of the trap is carefully removed.
Using tools like a shop vacuum, the semi-solid waste and trapped grease are extracted. Kitty litter can be used to solidify any remaining liquid waste.
A steel pot scrubber is used to scrub the grease trap's parts, ensuring every bit of grease is removed.
It's crucial to properly dispose of the grease trap waste. Rider Drains ensures that disposal adheres to the Environment Agency and their guidelines.
By following these steps when we clean a grease trap, we make sure we work efficiently and effectively.
There are many reasons why you should rely on us for all your grease trap cleaning and maintenance work.
Expertise in Grease Trap Systems: Understanding the intricacies of grease traps, from the flow of effluent passing through to the various parts, is crucial. Our team is well-versed in every aspect of the grease trap system.
Comprehensive Cleaning: From the lid to the very bottom, our grease trap cleaning procedure ensures that every component is free from grease build-up.
Environmental Commitment: We understand the importance of proper grease trap maintenance not just for your commercial kitchen but for the environment. We ensure that all grease trap waste is disposed of responsibly.
Licensed Professionals: Every grease trap cleaning service is carried out by a licensed plumber, ensuring that your commercial kitchens are in safe hands.
Neglecting proper grease trap maintenance can lead to a series of problems:
Build-up: Over time, fats, oils, and grease accumulate, leading to blockages in the drainage system.
Unpleasant Odours: A clogged grease trap can result in nasty smells emanating from the kitchen sink.
Environmental Concerns: Without regular trap cleaning, grease can enter the sewage system, causing environmental issues.
We know many of our clients have questions about grease trap cleaning services, and hopefully the following questions and answers are of benefit.
While it's possible, it's advisable to hire a professional grease trap cleaning service like Rider Drains to ensure thorough cleaning and proper disposal of waste. However if you're curious we have covered “what dissolves fat in drains” in our blog. We also covered “how to clean grease traps”.
A FOG report details the amounts of fats, oils, and grease in a commercial kitchen's waste.
Cleaning a grease trap with soap and water is not the recommended method.
A grease trap's primary role is to separate and collect FOG from wastewater before it enters the sewer. Using soap to clean it can emulsify the grease, hindering the trap's function and potentially allowing the emulsified grease to mix with water, flow into the drain or sewer, and cause blockages. Moreover, this method may not effectively remove the thick grease settled at the trap's bottom.
The frequency of grease trap cleaning depends on its size, the volume of wastewater, and the amount of FOG present. Regular cleaning depends on the usage. For busy commercial kitchens, it's recommended to clean grease traps every month. Small indoor traps often require weekly cleaning, while larger outdoor traps may need cleaning every 1 to 3 months.
A general rule is to clean the trap when FOG and solids fill more than 25% of its depth. Regular monitoring is crucial, and local regulations might dictate specific cleaning intervals. Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to plumbing issues, nasty smells, a blocked drain, and potential fines.
Grease trap cleaning is not just a regulatory requirement but a necessity for the smooth operation of commercial kitchens. Rider Drains offers a comprehensive grease trap cleaning service, ensuring that your kitchen remains efficient and environmentally compliant. Don't wait for a build-up; schedule your grease trap maintenance with us today.
