Cooking often produces a lot of fats, oils, and grease. While they may seem harmless, allowing these substances to go down the drain can result in major problems. In residential kitchens, it’s easy to collect these remnants and dispose of them in the garbage to avoid clogged drains. However, commercial kitchens require a better removal method. This is why grease traps are installed. Here’s an overview of what these are.

What to Know About Grease Traps

How They Work

Grease traps are attached to a kitchen’s drain lines and can be located either under or above ground on a property. Their purpose is to collect any fats, oils, and grease that go down the sink and move through the plumbing before they reach the municipal sewer system.

There are plastic walls built within a trap that are designed to slow down wastewater as it flows from the kitchen sink. This helps separate the substances from the water so they can be trapped inside the unit, allowing only grease-free water to enter the sewer lines. 

Why They’re Important

Foodservice establishments flush out a significant amount of wastewater from their commercial kitchens each day. As such, there’s a high risk of fats, oils, and grease causing clogged drains and serious issues with the sewer lines.

A grease trap helps prevent clogged drains, which can lead to pest infestations, foul odors, and sewer backups. This is unpleasant and unsanitary for diners, and it could leave the establishment in violation of health codes.

When these substances flow into the municipal sewer system, it also causes pipe blockages and a public health concern. In turn, food service establishments are generally required by law to install grease traps. Over time, waste will build up in the trap; thus, regular grease trap pumping is necessary to keep it working efficiently.

For help keeping your grease trap properly maintained, reach out to Taylor’s Drain & Sewer Service in Lincoln, NE. They perform high-quality grease trap pumping to prevent clogged drains and ensure businesses are able to continue operating smoothly. With more than 40 years of industry experience, they’re qualified to provide a wide range of commercial drain and sewer cleaning services. Call (402) 474-5213 to request an estimate, or visit them online for more information on their offerings.