But without the right knowledge, it can be hard to recognize whether your grease trap needs cleaning in the first place. Read on to learn the signs that it’s time to clean your restaurant’s grease trap and help your business avoid unnecessary hardship.
Strong Foul Order
Your grease trap doesn’t just catch grease—it also catches food particles and other bits of debris as well. As food, fats, oil, and trash begin to rot, the grease trap may emit a strong, foul odor. If you’re noticing a strong smell in your kitchen that you can’t pinpoint, your grease trap may be the issue.
High Levels of Grease Mass
Grease traps also contain a considerable amount of wastewater along with grease and food solids. If your grease trap contains more than a quarter of solids and grease, it’s time for a cleaning. You can usually eyeball this amount, but do not attempt to sample and measure this on your own, as the dirt and microorganism growing within it can pose a health risk. Professional cleaning services will use a sampling tool to calculate the exact amount if you’re concerned about the grease-to-wastewater ratio.
Slow Drainage or Clogged Drains
There are many reasons why cleaning your grease trap is important, but the damage food waste does to your pipes and the tank itself is among the most important. Over time, the grease will solidify, blocking the flow of wastewater and causing sinks, toilets, and other drainage systems to clog. If you notice issues with your plumbing, check the grease trap immediately, as issues with plumbing may mean your restaurant will need to shut down for maintenance.
Grease Leaks in Odd Places
Grease, even when it condenses, can easily remelt or squeeze into nooks and crannies. If your grease trap is too full, it will begin to back up, and the grease will find other ways to escape. If you notice deposits of grease coming out of the sink, water pipes, or any other parts of the plumbing, you need to check your grease trap immediately. It’s highly likely that you need to clean your restaurant’s grease trap.
It’s Been Some Time Since Your Last Cleaning
One of the easiest ways to tell that it’s time to clean your grease trap is if you haven’t hired a professional to clean it within the past three months. Cleaning your grease trap on a consistent basis helps you avoid issues. However, this recommended frequency may rise to once a month, depending on how much FOG your restaurant produces. If you’re unsure how often cleanings should occur, contact a waste disposal service to request an accurate estimate based on your business’s specific needs.
Image Credit: Grease trap By Chaikom FILE #: 278022430
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
home remodeling reference (links to internal page)
 |
 |
 |
 |
| directory | photos | forms | guide |
Helpful article? Leave us a quick comment below.
And please share this article within your social networks.
