Grease traps are pretty self-explanatory; they trap grease. Grease traps are primarily used in commercial kitchens that produce more grease. Without a grease trap, that grease would enter the wastewater system and clog it. Grease traps are a great tool when used, maintained, and installed correctly. Here are some common mistakes with grease traps we’ve seen over the years.
Improper Maintenance and Cleaning
Grease traps require regular maintenance and cleaning to continue doing their job efficiently. Dirty grease traps are unhygienic too. A dirty grease trap is gross and a serious fire hazard. It doesn’t take much for a big grease container to turn into a burnt-down kitchen. The exact frequency of your grease trap cleaning and maintenance depends on how much grease is produced in the kitchen. In general, most traps need to be cleaned out every 1 to 3 months.
An easy way to tell your grease trap needs cleaned is to use the ¼ rule. When the trap is ¼ full of grease, it needs to be cleaned. You can opt to clean the grease traps yourself or hire a professional to ensure the job is done right. Letting grease traps fill above the ¼ mark increases the risk of bacteria growth, unhygienic conditions, and grease fires.
Using the Wrong Grease Trap for Your Business Needs
One of the biggest mistakes people make is purchasing the wrong grease trap. This can mean buying a grease trap that’s too small, not buying enough grease traps for a larger kitchen, or even buying a grease trap that’s too large.
Grease traps are a part of your plumbing system. Did you try to guess what size plumbing you needed under your sink or in the bathroom? Of course not! It’s just as reckless to choose your grease trap without a plumber’s input.
Consult a professional grease trap company to determine what size grease trap you need and where it should be installed for maximum efficiency.
Incorrect Installation
A grease trap is a special type of plumbing equipment that requires a specific installation process. This isn’t the job to turn into a DIY project. Hire a professional to install the grease trap the first time around. If you don’t, you’ll likely be calling them in a couple of months to come to repair your mistakes anyways, as you’ve seen above with the most common mistakes with grease traps. It’s more affordable to pay for installation than it is to pay for an emergency repair!
Contact ASAP Drain Guys & Plumbing today to get pricing estimates for grease trap installation and maintenance! We have experience with a variety of grease traps ranging from small to expansive in size. Our team has plumbing experience to ensure proper installation, cleaning, and maintenance every time. Don’t spend another day neglecting your wastewater lines by filling them with grease!
