How much water should be in the grease trap?
roughly ¼ full
Your grease trap should never be completely full with water. That can lead to an overflow which could lead to contaminants getting into your local municipality’s sewer system. Grease traps should be roughly ¼ full with water.
How often should you change grease trap?
every 1-3 months
Most grease traps should be cleaned out every 1-3 months, depending on usage. To know exactly how often your business needs to attend to the grease traps, consider the “1/4th rule.” In simple terms, the grease trap should be cleaned out when it reaches a quarter of its capacity.
Why is my grease trap not draining?
If your grease trap has overflowed, it means that the outlet line or somewhere down stream is blocked.
…
| Symptom | Likely Root Cause |
|---|---|
| Sink connected to grease trap is not draining | The inlet line to the trap is obstructed or the outlet line from the trap is obstructed and trap is sealed well enough to prevent an overflow |
How do I know what size grease trap I need?
Sizing a Grease Trap by Flow Rate:
- Measure your sinks.
- Convert the capacity from total cubic inches to gallons per minute (GPM) by dividing by 231:
- Add any additional appliances (optional)
- Determine the flow rate and drainage period.
How often do grease traps need cleaning?
every one to three months
The frequency of restaurant grease trap cleanings vary with how often the kitchen produces FOGS. On average, cleanings should be performed every one to three months. Restaurants, cafeterias and other commercial kitchens are advised to set up a regular service schedule to avoid missing critical cleanings.
What should be connected to a grease trap?
No hand sinks, ice machine drip lines, hot lines from buffet counters and kitchens, soda machine drip lines or any drainage lines in bar areas shall be connected to a grease trap. These fixtures shall be connected to a grease interceptor if device is installed.
How do you know when a grease trap is full?
If your grease trap becomes excessively full, grease will begin spilling out of the primary compartment into the secondary one. This will soon lead to clogs in the lines leading into and out of the grease trap. A full trap will also restrict the flow of water through the system.
Why is my grease trap full of water?
Water backups: One of the most common issues with grease traps is water backing up. This is almost always caused by a clogged grease trap, and it can be resolved simply by getting the grease trap cleaned. Until it’s cleaned, water is likely to continue backing up and causing problems in your commercial kitchen.
How do I know if my grease trap is clogged?
How to Identify a Problem With Your Grease Trap
- Debris Going Down the Drain. Pouring used cooking oil and other food-related waste down the drain is a surefire way to end up with a grease trap issue.
- A Foul Smell.
- Slow Drainage.
- Inlet, Outlet or Barrier Wall Clog.
- An Overflow.
What happens when grease trap is full?
Can a grease trap be too big?
If your grease trap is too large, then you’ll spend more money than you need to, get longer detention rates and get into the bad habit of not regularly cleaning it (because you’ve got extra space, why clean it more often?). There are three methods of sizing a grease trap.
What is the difference between a grease trap and grease interceptor?
A grease trap works well with a lower volume of flow; less than 50 gallons per minute. Large-scale establishments with a higher volume of flow; more than 50 gallons per minute, will need a grease interceptor, as they are better equipped to handle the extensive FOG that flows through the device.
Do plumbers clean grease traps?
Professional plumbers can use high-tech equipment, like video line inspection, to inspect your commercial plumbing pipes. This will let you know if the lines are clear and not full of grease and waste from a grease trap that has not been kept clean.
How long do grease traps last?
5-8 years
On average, steel grease traps last 5-8 years. They can be quite heavy, if buried indoors (in a concrete or tiled floor, for example) can be quite difficult to replace.
Can I use Drano on a grease trap?
Commercial kitchen operators face issues with their sinks, drains and grease traps getting clogged with food solids. To combat this problem, some resort to using chemicals such as Liquid Plumber or Drano to clear these clogs.
Can you put Drano in a grease trap?
What can I use to unclog a grease trap?
Grease Traps A Guide to a method of clean – YouTube
How big of a grease trap does a restaurant need?
The California Plumbing Code states that each establishment for which a grease interceptor is required shall have an interceptor that serves only that establishment. The minimum grease interceptor size is 500 gallons. The maximum grease interceptor size is 2500 gallons.
Is oil water separator same as grease trap?
The solids compartment of a grease trap ensures that solid waste is removed from the drain — preventing blockages. Oil separators are used in industrial environments where there is the potential for oil and other hydrocarbons to be carried into the wastewater stream.
How often should a grease interceptor be cleaned?
How often should grease traps be cleaned? The frequency of restaurant grease trap cleanings vary with how often the kitchen produces FOGS. On average, cleanings should be performed every one to three months.
Can I clean my own grease trap?
For a thorough cleaning, utilize the shop vacuum to suck out any lingering FOGs from the grease trap. Next, refresh the grease trap and free the tank from obnoxious odors with a little elbow grease, a steel pot scrubber, dish soap and tepid water. Thoroughly scrub down the grease trap’s baffles, sides and lid.
How do you know when grease trap needs to be cleaned?
5 Signs Your Restaurant’s Regular Grease Trap Needs Cleaning
- When the drainage is backed up or slow-moving.
- When grease is 25% or more the total liquid depth.
- When there’s a foul smell coming from the kitchen.
- When it’s simply been too long.
- When you find grease in unusual places.
What will dissolve grease in a grease trap?
Vinegar is a great way to dissolve grease from your grease trap.
What breaks down grease in a grease trap?
Chemex 33 GTC is a multi-strain bacterial solution that is specifically designed to break down fats, oils, and greases (FOG’s), as well as other food waste items in drain lines, grease traps and grease interceptors.
Does vinegar dissolve grease?
Vinegar’s acidity helps cut through grease easily. Spray some vinegar and water mix onto a splattered stovetop, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub down with soapy water.