Restaurant grease traps keep oils and fat out of the sewer system, preventing clogs that can cause blockages and other expensive problems. Over time, grease traps fill with solid materials, so they need to be emptied and maintained on a regular basis. Below are a few dos' and don'ts of grease trap cleaning and maintenance.

Do:

Schedule regular grease trap cleaning.

Regularly cleaning your grease traps will minimize the amount of oils and fats entering the local sewer system. Most experts recommend pumping and cleaning the trap every three months. However, you may service more frequently if you run a busy restaurant or have a high volume of waste.

Leave maintenance to the professionals.

Your grease trap may be easily accessible, but cleaning the system is usually more complex than it appears. Professionals have the tools to remove greases and oils without letting debris into the sewer and the expertise to ensure the device is replaced properly.

Don’t:

Pour hot water into the grease trap.

Hot water does clear fats and solidified oil out of your grease trap, but it also defeats the purpose of the device. Pouring hot water into the trap melts the grease and oil, allowing it to escape into the sewer system. If the trap seems full, schedule a professional cleaning instead of trying to handle it yourself.

Pour grease down the drain.

Grease traps are designed to remove small amounts of dissolved oils and fats that find their way into the drain. Large quantities will quickly overwhelm the grease trap, resulting in backups and more frequent cleanings. To keep the system clear, instruct your staff to throw fat and oils in the trash instead of pouring it down the drains.

For over a decade, Around the Clock Pumping has provided reliable, affordable grease trap cleaning to restaurants throughout the Anchorage area. They pride themselves on being available 24 hours a day to provide routine maintenance and emergency repairs. Visit their website for more on their grease trap cleaning and other services, or call (907) 345-9126 to schedule an inspection today.