Signs That Your Grease Trap Needs To Be Cleaned
Posted on: 28 June 2017
If you have decided to combat plumbing clog issues and environmental concerns with the assistance of a grease trap in your restaurant, then you may not be familiar with the cleaning process. Specifically, you may have no idea when you should arrange for a grease trap cleaning service. Cleaning should be scheduled on a regular basis, like every three months. You can also look for some telltale signs that the grease trap is starting to fill up.
Reduced Drainage Speed
Your grease trap works to remove grease from the waste water that is flushed down your kitchen drains. Water moves through the trap, moves to the bottom of the device, deposits solid matter, and then flows up to the top of the trap. As the water moves, it releases through an outlet pipe on the opposite side of the trap.
A large holding container is positioned on the bottom of the grease trap to retain the waste. There is typically a good deal of space in this area so that water can move through the device with some speed. However, once the grease builds in the trap, there is less and less room for the water to flow. Water drainage starts to slow down and you will eventually notice the water backing up into your sinks.
If you notice drainage slowing significantly, then you should schedule a grease trap cleaning as soon as possible. If you do not, then the grease holding area will fill completely. When this happens, water and grease may exit through the discharge pipe. This can cause a significant clog in the plumbing system.
Smelly Drains
Drains will commonly release strong odors when they become clogged. Your grease trap will also smell. The odor comes from the degradation of the organic food particles that accumulate in the grease. Also, as bacteria start to eat away at the grease and food particles, they will release gaseous sulfur compounds.
Sometimes smells will accumulate if the grease sits for some time as well. If you have not used the drain attached to the grease trap in some time, do not make the mistake of running warm water down the drain. This will heat up the grease and cause it to flow through the drain outlet. Run cold water instead. If this does not assist with the odor, then invest in a cleaning.
After your cleaning, purchase a waste digester treatment that contains living microbes. This helps to add bacteria to the drain that can digest some of the grease to break it down. The microbes are helpful in eliminate some of the debris that can buildup on the trap over time. Also, a cleaning can eliminate the bacteria that help to keep grease buildup manageable in between cleanings. Adding new bacteria can reestablish the colony.
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