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Many people use the terms grease trap and grease interceptor interchangeably. While both plumbing devices prevent fats, oils, and greases (FOG) from entering a sewer or septic system, they differ in a few key ways. To help you understand and maintain your grease removal units, here are the main differences between traps and interceptors.

Grease Trap

A grease trap is a small FOG removal unit designed for environments with low water pressure and a flow rate between 10 to 50 gallons per minute. Usually installed beneath a kitchen sink, a grease trap becomes full rather quickly due to its small size. Consequently, it must be emptied and cleaned about once a month.

Grease Interceptor

Necessary in larger establishments, a grease interceptor is a large FOG removal unit designed for environments with high water pressure and a flow rate of over 50 gallons per minute. Installed below ground or outdoors, a grease interceptor can hold more grease than a trap due to its large size. In general, interceptors must be emptied and cleaned about once every three months.

How They Work & Who Uses Them

septic systemWhen a sink’s outflow enters a grease trap or interceptor, fats, oils, and greases float to the surface of the unit, and the wastewater then enters the sewer or septic system.

Establishments such as restaurants, hospitals, malls, and schools produce a significant amount of grease, as do professional or industrial kitchens. Traps and interceptors prevent that grease from causing sewage backups.

 

If you need help maintaining your sewer or septic system, turn to J & J Septic & Sewer Cleaning in Waterloo, IL. Serving St. Clair, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, and Randolph counties, the fully licensed team offers grease trap cleaning, septic system installation, sewer maintenance, excavation, grading, and more. They provide same-day service for most projects, allowing you to keep your plumbing system in working order year-round. Learn more about their residential and commercial services online, and call (618) 939-3001 for a quote.

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