The grease trap in your restaurant kitchen has a significant job. It allows wastewater to flow through it while trapping solid matter such as animal fat, oil, and grease. Here, learn about the three main types of grease traps and what they offer your restaurant. Also remember to schedule routine grease trap cleaning to avoid problems such as clogged sewer lines, foul odors, and restricted wastewater movement.

What Types Of Grease Traps Are Available?

Gravity

Also known as a gravity grease interceptor, this trap features several compartments that slow the flow of wastewater. Slower movement increases grease, oil, and fat buoyancy, so they separate easily. Solid waste such as dirt sinks to the bottom of the compartments, making these systems similar to septic tanks. And while gravity grease traps prevent most floatable matter from entering sewer systems, they are the largest versions and require more room for correct installation. However, their size means they do not need grease trap cleaning as often as other options.

Hydromechanical

A hydromechanical grease trap cools wastewater to help it separate from dense floatable matter. Fat, oil, and grease sink to the bottom of the trap’s baffles until the unit gets cleaned. These traps are smaller than gravity models and therefore need grease trap cleaning regularly. Additionally, you must clean these traps manually and work best with wet waste interceptors that keep food debris from building up inside the baffles and creating foul odors.

Automatic

The small size of automatic grease traps doesn’t impact their efficiency. Automatic Grease Removal Units (AGRU) rely on electrical and mechanical parts to skim rather than separate floatable matter from wastewater. They are expensive because they include several collection units, including one for food particles, but make up for it in efficiency and maintenance. Automatic options are self-cleaning for easy fat, oil, and grease removal; however, they still benefit from periodic inspections and deeper cleanings. 

Devise a grease trap cleaning schedule with J & J Septic & Sewer Cleaning to keep this essential kitchen component functional. This Waterloo, IL, service provides Monroe County home and business owners with a wide range of septic and sewer cleaning services, including sewer line cabling installation and repair. Call (618) 939-3001 today to make a grease trap cleaning appointment or visit the website for service details. Like their Facebook page for more information on septic systems and grease traps.