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Grease traps aren’t the most glamorous part of restaurant life, but it’s still important to maintain them. Otherwise, your restaurant might find itself facing fines or even long-term closures. Since they’re hidden away inside the plumbing, it isn’t always obvious when grease trap cleaning is necessary. Here are a few common signs that indicate your grease traps need to be emptied.

What Indicates a Dirty Grease Trap?

1. Slow Drainage

Fat and grease can build up between grease trap cleanings, eventually restricting water flow through the pipes. If sinks, dishwashers, or other plumbing fixtures aren’t draining as quickly as they normally do, an overfilled grease trap may be to blame.

2. Strong Odors

grease trap cleaningAs old oils gather in the trap, they can begin to give off unpleasant smells. If you notice an odor of rotten food lingering in your restaurant’s kitchen, it’s time to check the grease traps. Not only is the stench unpleasant, but it can attract pests if it isn’t dealt with promptly.  

3. Overflowing Floor Drains

Backed up floor drains are messy and against health codes and regulations. If you don’t schedule regular grease trap cleanings, fats can escape and make their way toward the sewer. Not only is this a violation of the EPA’s standards for controlling cooking waste, but it can also end up blocking the entire drainage system, leading to more extreme and costly problems.

4. Random Grease Deposits

If your staff is finding grease in strange locations, like bathroom sinks or along the exteriors of pipes, the restaurant’s grease trap may be too full. In these cases, the overflowing grease makes its way out of any available opening, including through water pipes. In addition to causing extra cleaning work, this issue also contaminates food preparation areas.

5. Bubbling Sounds

The constriction caused by grease buildup can cause sinks to make unusual gurgling or bubbling sounds as they try to drain. Make sure employees are aware of these signs. This will alert you if you need to schedule a grease trap cleaning sooner than usual. It will also prevent larger problems from developing.

 

When your restaurant’s grease traps need to be cleaned, contact Cox’s Septic Service in Corbin, KY. Their team of qualified professionals can help maintain your traps and keep your restaurant running efficiently. They’re knowledgeable about federal, local, and state regulations, and will ensure the grease is properly disposed of. Call (606) 528-4782 or visit their website to learn more about their waste control services.

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