The Importance of Having Your Grease Trap Cleaned

If you’re a restaurant owner, you depend on grease traps to perform an essential function in order to keep your kitchen running. The importance of having your grease trap cleaned cannot be stressed enough. If you leave your grease trap unattended, disaster is sure to happen sooner than later. With that in mind, here are several reasons it is crucial that your grease trap be cleaned.

What is a Grease Trap?

If you are new to the restaurant business, you need to understand what a grease trap is and what it does. A grease trap is a plumbing device that catches most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system. The main function of a grease trap is to prevent fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) from solidifying and clogging the drain lines. It works by slowing the flow of hot, greasy water and allowing it to cool. The fat, oil, and grease harden as the water cools and the food solids settle. These heavier substances (FOG and solids) are gathered in the trap, while the cooler water, less thick and sans grease, continues to flow down the pipe to the sewer. This action prevents drain blockages and the buildup of fats in sewer systems, which maintains the efficiency of wastewater treatment processes and protects the environment. Regular maintenance and cleaning of grease traps are essential to ensure their effectiveness.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Commercial Kitchen’s Grease Trap?

Blockages

Grease traps that are not cleaned regularly can become full and ineffective, leading to blockages in the plumbing system. This issue can cause significant disruption to the operation of your restaurant and can result in costly repairs.

Health Hazards

A poorly maintained grease trap can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to putrid odors and potential health risks, including the spread of diseases.

Equipment Life

Regular cleaning can help maintain the effectiveness of the grease trap and extend its lifespan. The buildup of grease and solid wastes can cause wear and tear on your equipment.

Environmental Protection

Grease traps protect the environment by preventing FOGs from entering the wastewater system. If these substances are allowed to accumulate and then enter our Lakeland waterways, they can harm aquatic life, birds and pollute the water.

Regulations

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has regulations requiring regular grease trap cleaning and maintenance and its documentation. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines or even the closure of your restaurant.

Efficient Operation

A clean grease trap operates more efficiently, effectively capturing FOG and preventing it from entering the sewer system, which ensures that the wastewater treatment process operates effectively.

Cost Savings

Regular cleaning can help avoid the more significant expense of emergency plumbing services, potential fines from non-compliance with regulations, or even the cost of replacing your grease trap system.

Lakeland Septic Are Grease Trap Experts

We can clean your grease trap so it stays in great shape; call us- In the Polk County area at 863-738-0504 or fill out our contact form. We can inspect and clean your grease trap, perform preventative maintenance, or recommend repairs or replacements. We can advise you if your kitchen’s grease trap complies with regulations and give you peace of mind. So, don’t let your grease trap become an issue; call us today!