Grease Trap FAQs

If you own or manage a commercial kitchen with a grease trap and a septic tank, it’s important to understand how to take care of it. Our Merritt Island grease trap cleaning team at Acme shares their answers to some FAQs about this topic that you may be wondering about yourself. 

What Is A Grease Trap, And What Does It Do?

A grease trap, or grease interceptor, is a component in a commercial kitchen that is designed to intercept and separate the fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from other wastewater before it enters wastewater treatment sources. These devices are required to be installed in commercial kitchens or anywhere that produces large volumes of food and are essential for keeping your kitchen healthy. Industries or facilities that commonly rely on grease traps include restaurants, gas stations, hotels, hospitals, and more.   

You have probably heard at some point in your life that you should never pour grease down the drain. In an average residential kitchen, small amounts of oil and grease flow down the drain and into the plumbing during everyday activities such as cooking preparation or washing dishes. Sewage systems are able to handle small amounts of FOG, which accumulate and form the floating scum layer at the top of the septic tank.

However, in a commercial kitchen, municipal sewage systems would be quickly overwhelmed by the amount of grease and oils that are created during food production. A grease trap functions to prevent buildup from occurring, which could create damaging clogs, backups, and even grease fires. 

How Often Should A Grease Trap Be Cleaned?

The frequency at which your kitchen’s grease trap must be cleaned can change depending upon the volume of food that is being produced, but for most commercial kitchens, routine cleaning should be performed every 1-3 months. It is important to remember that proper grease trap maintenance not only keeps your city’s sewer system functioning but it is usually required by local ordinances and saves you money. Considering all of the other expenses that come with running a business, adding more fines or repair bills is something we want to help you avoid. 

If your grease trap is due for a routine cleaning, make sure to contact our professional Merritt Island grease trap cleaning service to have the job completed safely and thoroughly. 

Can I Clean My Kitchen’s Grease Trap Myself?

This is definitely a “don’t” when it comes to commercial kitchen do’s and don’ts. It can be very dangerous to attempt to pump your grease trap on your own, and most cities have specific regulations and licensing that are required for anyone performing grease trap services.

Florida and other U.S. states each have their own regulations specified for grease waste removal. A professional grease removal service company will provide documentation of the services they have provided for your records. This step is important in order to stay compliant with your city’s regulations concerning the removal of grease waste.

Take the day off on this one by allowing our Merritt Island grease trap cleaning company to do the work! 

What Are Some Signs My Grease Trap Needs To Be Cleaned?

If you’re wondering if your kitchen is due for a Merritt Island grease trap cleaning, there are a few signs to look out for, including:

• Grease appearing in unusual places, such as drains, pipes, or sinks
• Slow or clogged drains
• Foul odors in your kitchen that you can’t explain 

Trapped grease will simply seek the path of least resistance when it needs to escape. That path generally winds up being any of your facility’s drains, pipes, or other fixtures. Add this service to your summer cleanup schedule to avoid slipping and falling on those sneaky grease puddles!

How Often Should A Grease Trap Be Inspected?

Grease traps should also be inspected every 1-3 months. There are some important guidelines that OSHA provides to help kitchens with grease traps understand the risks that malfunctioning or clogged grease traps may present in the workplace and how to prevent accidents from occurring.  

Grease trap inspection includes monitoring and testing the grease trap’s oxygen and chemicals and ensuring that they remain at safe levels. The inspection also allows professionals to ensure that the grease trap is in good working order and will not present any health or safety hazards to people or the environment. 

Our team members at Acme have the knowledge and credentials to perform your grease trap inspection and keep your commercial kitchen safe and in compliance with local regulations. 

Do Residential Homes Require Grease Traps?

While residential homes do not require grease traps, many experts recommend having one installed if you want to take further steps to protect your home’s septic system. Some homeowners may benefit from having a grease trap if they run an in-home business in the food service industry, have a large number of people in the household, or if they have multiple kitchen sinks.  

How Often Should A Grease Trap Be Replaced?

Grease traps generally need to be replaced once about every seven years. If your grease trap is showing signs of breakdown or is frequently malfunctioning, this may mean that it is time for a replacement. If your grease trap does need to be replaced, Acme offers grease trap installation, among our other services.

To further ensure that your grease trap stays in the best condition, we also provide education on proper grease trap use and maintenance to companies and their staff. Get the members of your kitchen staff excited for grease trap education day! 

Don’t Slip Up On Lack Of Grease Trap Knowledge

Where does grease belong? On your food. Maybe in your hair if it’s decade day at work. Wherever it is, it doesn’t belong on the kitchen floor or bubbling up through the drains! 

If your commercial kitchen is due for a Merritt Island grease trap cleaning, contact us! Our team members at Acme can expertly perform this job without putting your kitchen services on hold.