Timely, comprehensive grease trap maintenance is vital for keeping a restaurant safe and in operation. Regular service will ensure that your plumbing works properly and that your food is clean and healthy, and will help you avoid hefty fines for health code violations. Below, learn more about what to do and what to avoid when maintaining your grease trap.

Do:

Make sure the grease trap is properly installed.

If your grease trap seems to be collecting little to no grease despite constant use, it’s probably improperly installed. Otherwise, your grease is flowing into your local sewer along with gray water, which can lead to backups and could lead to penalties from local authorities. Contact a grease trap maintenance specialist to assess and correct the system if this is happening.

Have it cleaned regularly.

Health codes in most municipalities require that grease traps be cleaned every 30 to 90 days or as soon as they are 25% full. Ensure that the grease trap is visible and easily accessible as required by Virginia state law. Failing to have your grease trap cleaned can cause severe clogs and backups, which can force you to shut down for several days.

Don’t:

Use off-the-shelf cleaning products.

Avoid using commercial enzymes or solvents that claim to break down fats, oils, and greases. In reality, these products typically don’t break down grease. When gray water flows into your sewer connection, it then carries these harsh chemicals with it, leading to environmental damage to local soil and water tables. Furthermore, many municipal legal codes prohibit their use for this reason, and using them could lead to penalties.

Connect the grease trap to other appliances.

Connecting grease traps to other kitchen systems such as dishwashers and garbage disposals raises the risk of malfunctions and contamination. A garbage disposal could deposit food waste at the bottom of a grease trap and reduce its functionality. If hot dishwater enters a grease trap, it will liquefy fats and oils and wash them into the sewer.

Avoid the hassle of plumbing and health problems with regular grease trap maintenance from Valley Proteins in Winchester, VA. Since 1949, this trusted local company has proudly served restaurants and commercial clients throughout the Shenandoah Valley. They offer a wide range of services, from routine maintenance to repairs and grease recycling. Call (800) 871-3406 to discuss your restaurant’s needs, or visit them online to learn more about their services.