Grease traps play a vital role in keeping drains running smoothly in plumbing systems, especially in commercial kitchens and food establishments. Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are notorious culprits that can lead to clogs and backups, causing costly disruptions and sometimes extensive plumbing works. In this blog post, we’ll giver you 5 effective tips for grease trap maintenance, helping you prevent FOG buildup and ensure the efficient flow of your plumbing system.
Implement Regular Cleaning Schedules
Establish a routine cleaning schedule for your grease trap. The frequency of cleaning depends on the size of your establishment and the volume of cooking. Regular cleaning prevents FOG from solidifying and accumulating within the trap, reducing the risk of blockages.
Scrape Dishes Before Washing
Train kitchen staff to scrape dishes, pots, and pans before washing them. This simple practice minimizes the amount of FOG that enters the plumbing system, reducing the load on the grease trap.
Install Sink Strainers and Bio-drain clean
Place sink strainers in kitchen sinks to catch food particles and debris before they enter the drain. This prevents FOG from getting into the plumbing and ultimately the grease trap. Bioremediation Solutions can also be used, these contain naturally occurring microorganisms that break down FOG and organic matter. Regularly introducing these products into your plumbing system can help prevent FOG buildup.
Educate Staff on Proper Disposal
Educate your kitchen staff about the proper disposal of FOG. Emphasize the importance of pouring excess fats and oils into designated containers for disposal, rather than down the drain. Make sure to dispose of the collected FOG responsibly by working with licensed waste disposal companies to ensure proper and environmentally friendly disposal. Improper disposal can lead to pollution and legal consequences.
Regular Grease Trap Inspections
Schedule routine inspections by certified professionals to assess the condition of your grease trap. Early detection of issues allows for prompt maintenance and prevents potential blockages. Barden offer quarterly grease trap cleans, as part of our planned preventative maintenance. We carry out a full strip down, clean out and overhaul. We also supply/replace the drum of Biofax per visit. Barden also offer high pressure jetting for deep cleaning of all pipework. This powerful method effectively removes FOG build-up, restoring optimal flow.
- A blocked grease trap. This could have been prevented with regular staff cleaning.
- A blockage in a grease trap caused by paper towel. Staff should be informed on proper drain care and grease trap cleaning methods.
- A well maintained grease trap with a good amount of Biofax in the barrel.
- A sink Strainer installed to prevent FOG from entering pipework.
Preventing FOG buildup is a crucial aspect of maintaining a smoothly functioning plumbing system, especially in food service establishments. By following these effective tips for grease trap maintenance, you can reduce the risk of clogs, backups, and costly plumbing repairs. Remember, a proactive approach to FOG management not only ensures the longevity of your plumbing infrastructure but also contributes to a cleaner environment and the overall success of your business.