If you remember the great “Fatberg” under the streets of Baltimore, Maryland in September 2017, or the various ones in London, England, you can see the importance of ensuring your restaurant’s effluent is appropriately kept out of the city’s sewage system through the proper functioning of your restaurant’s grease trap/interceptor. According to Texas State Law, grease trap cleaning is required not less than every 90 days or whenever there is a need. What does this last point mean? There are a few signs to know regarding when you should clean your grease trap, as well as a few things you should know before you hire a grease trap cleaner.
When to know your grease trap needs cleaning
Clogged / Slow moving drainage
Large deposits of fat and grease can solidify into what’s called a “cap,” which blocks or slows waste movement through the system. If your drainage system takes longer than it used to or isn’t draining at all, a cap may have formed in your system. This will need to be cleaned via grease trap cleaning.
Foul Smell
Without drainage, the stagnation of grease and food solids foments fermentation and rot that create a stench that can waft through your restaurant and make it appear unsanitary. If there is an unexplained stench that remains after all the garbage has been taken out, and a cleaning regimen doesn’t combat it, it may be time for a grease trap cleaning.
When should you clean your grease trap?
You should clean your trap immediately if you encounter either of the explanations above. As mentioned above, Texas State Law requires restaurants to conduct grease trap cleaning no less than every 90 days, if 25% or more of the wetted height of the grease trap, or if the discharge exceeds local standards. Additionally, in the event of non-compliance with state regulations, they can ensure regular compliance by ordering increased cleaning at their discretion.
Things to know before hiring a Grease Trap Cleaning service
Don’t hesitate to shop around and compare services, but you’re going to want a company with experience in the area, one that knows the local regulations and offers you the best services at a cost-effective price point. Spending a couple of minutes looking into the grease trap cleaning service provider’s Better Business Bureau background and review sites can save you hours of headaches in knowing that you’ve hired a compliant and legitimate company.
Don’t go amateur
Remember that non-compliance point mentioned above? Improper maintenance can not only cost you more in the long run, but it can also mean that your restaurant could be considered non-compliant. Play it safe and hire professionals that have years of experience conducting grease trap cleaning.
When considering which grease trap cleaning service to use, consider that Drane Ranger has a four-star review on multiple sites, zero customer complaints with the BBB, and over 20 years of experience in the field. Keep your restaurant compliant, and help keep Houston off the “Fatberg” list by hiring an experienced grease trap cleaning service like Drane Ranger.