Commonly found in industrial and commercial settings, such as restaurants, hotels, and convention centers, a grease trap is a plumbing device designed to minimize the negative impact that grease has on sewage and septic systems. Because these institutions are always cooking and frying, they produce a high volume of fat, oil, and grease (FOG). In excess, these can lead to clogged drains, sewage backups, and poor wastewater treatment. To understand how grease traps can cut down the amount of FOG, here is what you should know.

A Brief Guide to Grease Traps

Basics

A grease trap connects the kitchen sink and dishwasher to the sewage or septic line. The central compartment collects all the wastewater, food, and FOG that goes down the drains. Inside, the solids eventually sink to the bottom, the wastewater cools, and then the FOG solidifies. Because oil isn’t as dense as water, it will eventually float to the top of the main compartment. With the layers separated, the wastewater is no longer thick with FOG; it’s much safer for the sewage or septic system. The outgoing pipe is strategically positioned in the middle of this wastewater layer to ensure neither the solids nor the FOG goes through.

Maintenance

To ensure the FOG doesn’t crowd the grease trap and overflow, it needs to be pumped regularly. The trap should have about 75% of wastewater to function correctly. Once the FOG and solid grows beyond 25%, call a professional. Beware of any plumbing company that offers to skim the top; the whole trap must be pumped so it can continue to work effectively. 

If you operate a commercial kitchen and you need a grease trap installed or replaced, make an appointment with John Lockwood Plumbing. For nearly 50 years, this family-owned and -operated company has served residential and commercial clients throughout the Ontario, NY, area. Licensed, bonded, and insured, they use only the best name-brand materials. They also offer a one-year warranty on parts and labor. To learn about their plumbing services, visit their website or call them today at (585) 265-0736.