If you are a restaurant owner, you are likely to look forward to tips and get your queries resolved about cleaning and maintenance of grease traps. The Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) generated by commercial kitchens are way higher in volume than what is produced by domestic kitchens. To get rid of such waste materials commercial kitchens require grease traps.

Needless to say, owning a food establishment has several priorities. Here are 8 restaurant grease trap FAQs and the answers you have always wanted to know.

• How does a grease trap function in a restaurant?

Simply put, a grease trap prevents FOGs from entering and clogging the city sewer system. The trap is a tank that holds and separates the grease and oils from entering the municipal sewer system. Whether it is an automatic or a manual grease trap, it works by entrapping the FOG that is separated from the wastewater before it enters the drainage system. This is why nearly every kind of commercial kitchen needs to maintain and make use of it to prevent sewage blockages.

• How much time does it take to clean restaurant grease traps?

The tenure of restaurant grease trap cleaning services depends majorly on the size of the tank. If the kitchen and the tank are larger than the average size, it will take the experts over an hour or two for a thorough cleaning. If not, the cleaning process might get over within an hour.

• How often should I get the grease trap cleaned?

The grease trap should be inspected and cleaned properly every one to three months. But the frequency of cleaning usually varies depending on how often the kitchens produce FOGs. It can change according to the seasons, the flow of business in the restaurant, and the events it organizes. The restaurants, hotels, and cafeterias are anyway advised to schedule regular cleaning to prevent shutdowns and to maintain hygiene.

• What is the one-fourths cleaning system?

An internationally recognized standard for flushing out and cleaning grease traps is the rule of one-quarter. This means that when 25% of the trap is filled with FOGs, it needs cleaning immediately. Otherwise, it no longer remains effective. By implementing the one-fourth method of cleaning, the interceptor remains functional. Also, the grease trap cleaning price doesn’t end up costing you a fortune.

• What should I do to keep the grease traps at the restaurant from overflowing?

When the grease trap is completely filled, it will end up leaking the residue material out of its compartment. This will then lead to blockages in the lines of its system. You may try out the following and steer clear of the grease traps overflowing:

1. 1. • Remove all the food debris from the utensils before washing.
      • Use biodegradable detergents and reduce the use of chlorine-based cleaning products.
   2. • Get a stainless-steel grease trap for your restaurant.
      • Install a flow control device in the waste line upstream of the green trap.
      • Have your grease trap pumped regularly.

• How much does grease trap cleaning cost?

If you schedule regular servicing of grease traps, it will save you from the hassles and expenses of constructing frequent repairs and replacements. The cost of cleaning may depend on the size of the instrument and also on the frequency at which it is usually cleaned. You may check out Greaseco for its systematic and affordable cleaning processes and also get a quote for grease trap cleaning costs and see it if suits your budget.

• Why are grease traps mandated?

Environmental and Municipal regulations of Ireland require restaurants and hotels to have grease traps installed. This is done to prevent harmful impurities from entering the city sewage system.

• Can I get a grease trap installed by myself?

Do you have experience installing a grease trap yourself? If not, you might end up installing the grease trap wrongly. Thus, it is advised to take help from experts and professionals. Get an idea about grease trap installation costs according to your restaurant’s needs. This process guarantees that the system works efficiently and meets the regular and peak demands of a commercial kitchen. A faulty installation of one might allow fats and grease to escape into the sewer system and cause clogs.

• Is servicing a grease trap more expensive than repairing or replacing it?

Servicing the grease trap is far less expensive than replacing or repairing the equipment. The only thing you need to know is how the cost may vary based on the frequency of cleaning and the size of the equipment.

Restaurant kitchens leave a lot of oil and grease from the food they prepare that accumulates in the grease traps. Thus, it is essential to invest in installing and cleaning grease traps. Regular maintenance might save you money in the long run and ensure the safety of your staff. It can also help to avoid serious sanitation issues. Keep your kitchen and restaurant functional by taking care of cleaning and preserving the efficiency of the grease traps.