Pretty much every restaurant will generate a fair amount of grease and oil as a result of normal cooking activities. But what should you do with the leftover grease? If you’re not careful, you could find yourself dealing with a clogged drain and fines from local water authorities. The following do’s & don’ts will keep your restaurant or corporate facility compliant with local regulations.

Do:

Use a grease trap.

For commercial kitchens, a grease trap is typically required by law. These devices are designed to catch any grease, oil, or fat that washes down your kitchen sink, trapping them before they can get into the local sewer system or cause a clogged drain. Using a grease trap will help you avoid regulatory fines and plumbing problems.

Dispose of grease and leftovers in the garbage.

The easiest way to avoid water treatment issues is to dispose of oil and grease in the garbage. This also applies to leftover food items, most of which contain fat and grease. Many types of grease will solidify if stored in a refrigerator, making them easier to dispose of later. 

Don’t:

Pour grease or oil down the drain.

If you want to avoid a high plumbing bill, don’t pour grease or oil down the drain. While restaurants can’t keep all fats and grease out of their plumbing system, pouring oil directly into the sink is a surefire way to overload the grease trap or create a clogged drain.

Neglect grease trap maintenance.

Like other kitchen equipment, your grease trap requires consistent maintenance to continue performing properly. In many areas, grease traps need to be pumped once per month to avoid overflows and remain compliant with local regulations. You should also avoid putting chemicals into the grease trap or connecting a garbage disposal to the unit.

Whether you have a clogged drain or a leaking faucet, you can depend on Midwestern Plumbing Service to keep everything in top shape. Serving the Cincinnati, OH, and northern Kentucky area for over 35 years, their highly trained team is available 24/7 for both residential and commercial plumbing emergencies. To learn more about their services, visit them online, or call (513) 753-0050 to speak with a representative today.