You likely know the purpose of grease traps, even if you’re unsure what a grease trap is. If you’ve cleaned grease or fats at home, you’ll know that they emulsify when they contact water, making them harder to shift—it’s for this reason you may have been taught to never empty fats into your sink. If you operate a restaurant or a facility that produces food, the volume of fats, oils, and grease you produce increases ten-fold, meaning you should take careful measures to dispose of it safely.

What You Should Know About Grease Traps

What Are They? 

Grease traps are a plumbing device designed to capture damaging kitchen waste such as fats and oil before it enters the sewage system. The “trap” is a large container which directs the wastewater into it. Once there, the grease rises to sit on top of the water, and the grease-free water flows into the sewage system. The fat accumulates in the trap, and when it is a thick enough layer, you can remove it.

Why Do You Need One?

While sewage systems will handle many items, grease isn’t one of them. When oils cool—especially those made from animal fats—they solidify, which leads to blockages. Should the sewage system become blocked, it will be a severe health and safety issue, likely resulting in fines and penalties, possible business closures, and potential loss of business overall if customers deem your property to be unsanitary.

How Are They Different From an Interceptor?

According to the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), the difference between a grease trap and grease interceptor is this: grease traps have a flow rate of fewer than 50 gallons per minute and interceptors have a flow rate of more than 50 gallons per minute. While a grease trap is used in domestic or commercial kitchens that yield little waste, large kitchens and facilities that accrue a large volume of grease will need an interceptor. To clean an interceptor, you should call on the help of a professional cleaning team, whereas you can clean many grease traps by hand.

Downs Drain & Septic Service has provided septic system and drain cleaning to the people of Peninsula, OH, since 1965. This family-owned and operated business offer a choice of services including commercial grease traps cleaning; septic tank and sump pump installation, inspection, and repairs; and drain excavation. Visit their website or call them today on (330) 929-5555 for more information on how they can help you, or visit their Facebook page for expert advice on septic tanks and drainage.