If you operate a restaurant or anywhere with a large kitchen, you likely have a grease trap and need Geneva grease trap pumping from time to time. Follow these dos and don’ts to keep it working properly.
Before we get started, what is a grease trap? Restaurants and other commercial facilities produce wastewater that contains fats, oils, and grease (FOG). If you put that waste down the drain and into the sewage system, the pipes can get clogged. Grease traps are designed to be in-line with the sewer system to prevent these products from entering the waste streams.
You likely have all the questions about grease traps and when you may need Geneva grease trap pumping. Read through this Q&A that has lots of dos and don’ts to keep your grease trap clog-free.
What Size Grease Trap Should I Have?
DO Make Sure Your Grease Trap Is Properly Sized To Fit Your Capacity
This may seem obvious, but if your grease trap is too small, it will fill too quickly and you’ll need it to be pumped often. If your grease trap is too large, it may not trap all of your FOG, letting it escape into the sewer.
DON’T Grow Your Business Without Growing Your Grease Trap
If your restaurant traffic increases, you’ll need to produce more food, and in turn, more grease will need disposal. Think about upgrading your grease trap to a larger size to fit your growing business needs.
How Often Should I Clean My Grease Trap?
DO Perform Regular Cleanings
How often you schedule your Geneva grease trap pumping will vary depending on the size of your facility and the volume of grease it produces. Regulations vary, but most cities require that your facility pumps often enough to maintain only 25% FOG in your grease trap. Contact Acme to evaluate how often you need to have your grease trap serviced.
What Can and Can’t I Put Down The Drain?
DON’T Dispose Of Food Down The Drain
As part of your employee training, educate your team on how they should properly dispose of food, grease, and other waste.
Disposing food in the trash can will help lessen the strain on your plumbing and keep your system from getting clogged.
DON’T Pour Boiling Water Down A Grease-Trap-Connected Sink
Boiling water will liquefy the FOG and allow it to escape into the sewer pipe. A buildup of FOG in the sewer lines will cause backups.
Can I Clean My Grease Trap Myself?
DON’T Try To Pump It Yourself
If you think you can perform your Geneva grease trap pumping yourself, think again. Without the proper licensing and equipment, you could be in for a huge mess and legal trouble.
DO Hire A Professional Geneva Grease Trap Pumping Company
Go the safe route and hire our professional team at Acme to take care of all of your grease trap needs. We are licensed and insured and have the equipment necessary to clean and pump your grease trap.
DO Ensure That Your FOG Is Properly Disposed Of
Another reason not to clean your grease trap yourself is disposal. FOG must be disposed of by a Department of Environmental Resource Management-licensed truck at an approved facility. Our trucks at Acme are fully licensed to handle this type of waste, so let us take care of this messy job for you.
Grease traps are a necessity in large kitchens, and when properly serviced, they can keep your facility running smoothly for years. If you have questions about grease trap installation or maintenance, contact Acme. We have been servicing central Florida businesses’ grease traps for over 25 years. Let us add you to our Geneva grease trap pumping schedule.