Ultimate Guide for Cleaning and Maintaining Grease Traps in Food Service Kitchens

As a restaurant owner, you understand the importance of maintaining the grease trap. While eliminating the accumulation of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) is a difficult task, it is necessary and must be done regularly. Grease traps serve an essential function, preventing FOG from being washed down the drain. If FOG builds up down the drain, it can clog the plumbing and sewer systems and pollute the natural environment. Commercial kitchens are mandated to have grease traps to stop this, and businesses may be fined for not adhering to regulations.

Steps for Cleaning a Grease Trap

1. Find the Grease Trap

Grease traps are typically located within the establishment or outdoors. Outdoor traps can often be identified by their manhole covering or septic tank-like appearance. When indoor, grease traps are commonly located in the basement (directly below the kitchen), under the kitchen sink, or beneath a metal covering. Once you find the grease trap, identify its capacity. Knowing the size helps determine if you need expert equipment for cleaning or if it's small enough for in-house staff to clean. Grease traps between 500 to 2500 gallons require professional tools and experience, while smaller ones can typically be cleaned by permitted restaurant personnel.

2. Work with Lukewarm Water

Using cold water helps FOG to rise to the top. Allow at least minutes for the water from the dishwasher or sink to reach a cooler temperature before beginning. Carefully remove the grease trap cover with a crowbar. Be cautious, as the gasket can be easily damaged. If the cover is bolted, you may need a wrench. Plastic grease trap covers are easier to handle, as they lift off without difficulty. After removing the cover, you'll likely encounter a thick layer of sludge. Use a scoop to extract the floating grease. Once the FOG is removed, remaining fluids and food solids will remain. A powerful shop vac is useful to vacuum these leftovers. Be sure the sinks and dishwashers are not in use to avoid the trap becoming full while you work.

3. Clean the Grease Trap

The next step is to thoroughly scrub the sides, baffles, and lid of the grease trap. A shop vacuum is necessary to remove any hardened grease stuck in the crevices. For a more complete clean, use a scrubber or steel wool, detergent, and slightly warm water. Thoroughly scrub the interior and exterior, and flush the soap and debris out with running water. Once done, you should have a clean grease trap. Perform this cleaning every four to six weeks to keep it in good condition.

4. Test for Blockages

Once the trap is cleaned, it is essential to inspect the drain for blockages. Run a gallon of clean water from the kitchen sink to verify the water flows smoothly without any resistance. If there is, you may need to call a licensed plumber to clear the obstruction. Once the area is clear, replace the lid and baffle to secure the trap properly.

5. Correctly Dispose of the FOG

Disposing of the collected fats, oils, and grease (FOG) should be done in a responsible manner. For smaller amounts, use double-lined garbage bags to discard the FOG in the local dumpster. An easy method is to mix the FOG with kitty litter to harden. For large quantities of grease trap sludge, it’s best to contact a licensed for proper disposal.

Grease Trap Cleaning by Decatur Plumbing Services

If you prefer professional help with your grease trap cleaning, trust the experts at Decatur Plumbing Services. We specialize in grease trap maintenance for businesses of all sizes, including schools, hospitals, airports, and more. Our skilled technicians will perform regular cleanings and repairs as needed, using the proper tools and techniques for hard-to-reach areas. We provide detailed reports to help you manage your cleaning schedule and ensure your business is in line with local grease trap regulations. At Decatur Plumbing Services, we ensure all grease trap waste is handled in accordance with state laws, keeping your business running smoothly and in compliance.

With over 70+ years of service, Decatur Plumbing Services is ready to address any grease trap issues swiftly. Trust us for all your grease trap maintenance needs and protect your business's operations with reliable service.

Give us a call now at (888) 860-0649 to request a free in-home estimate.