Category: Grease Trap

As a restaurant or food service owner, you’ve got a lot on your plate (pun intended). Between managing staff, keeping customers happy, and trying to turn a profit, it’s easy for some things to slip through the cracks. But there’s one area where you really can’t afford to let things slide – and that’s grease trap maintenance.

Failing to properly maintain your grease traps and interceptors can lead to some seriously unappetizing consequences. We’re talking costly fines, plumbing nightmares, shut-downs, and maybe even a side of bad publicity. But fear not! By staying on top of grease trap service near me and seeking out reliable grease management services nearby, you can keep your business running smoothly.

The Dirty Truth About Grease

Here’s the greasy truth – when fats, oils, and grease (affectionately known as FOG) go down your drains, they can wreak absolute havoc. This grimy trio congeals and sticks to pipe walls, building up over time until you’re dealing with backed up pipes and expensive plumbing emergencies.

Even worse, when FOG makes its way into sewer systems, it can cause major blockages leading to overflows. Not only is this a huge headache for wastewater treatment facilities, but it can also contaminate local waterways. Trust me, no one wants to see that on the evening news with your restaurant’s name attached.

Rules and Regs: Ignorance is Not Bliss

As a food service establishment, you’re bound by a complex web of regulations when it comes to managing your FOG. While the EPA does set standards under the Clean Water Act, these are mainly geared toward wastewater treatment plants and industrial discharges. The specific rules you need to follow will largely depend on your state and local ordinances.

These regulations can vary quite a bit from place to place, but they all share a common goal – preventing sewer blockages and overflows. Typical requirements include regular grease trap pumping, record-keeping, and being open to inspections. Failure to comply can lead to hefty fines that’ll leave a bad taste in your mouth.

For example, in New York City, food service establishments are required to install grease interceptors, have them cleaned by a licensed hauler every 90 days, and maintain records for three years. Violators can face fines of up to $10,000 per day. Ouch!

Getting into a Routine

The key to staying on the right side of the law (and keeping things flowing) is regular grease trap service near me. Find a reputable grease interceptor maintenance provider close by and get on a scheduled pumping and cleaning routine.

Frequency will depend on factors like the size of your traps, your menu, and your volume of business. A professional can assess your situation and recommend an appropriate service schedule, whether that’s monthly, quarterly, or somewhere in between. They’ll also measure your FOG levels and check that everything is in good working order.

While self-cleaning is not recommended, specialized enzyme or bacteria-based products can help manage FOG between professional services. Just be sure to consult with your grease management service close to me before using any chemicals to ensure they’re safe and effective for your system.

Some other smart practices:

• Train staff to scrape plates and properly dispose of grease
• Use strainers in sinks to catch solids
• Keep an eye out for warning signs like slow drains or funky odors
• Maintain detailed records of your grease trap service near me

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, proper grease trap maintenance is just a cost of doing business in the food service industry. Cutting corners might save a few bucks in the short term, but the risks simply aren’t worth it.

By familiarizing yourself with local regulations, seeking out grease trap service near me, and sticking to a service schedule, you can avoid messy situations and steer clear of non-compliance penalties. Your pipes will thank you, your community will thank you, and your stress levels will definitely thank you.

Don’t let FOG bring your operation to a standstill. Keep that grease interceptor maintenance nearby, focus on what you do best – serving up mouthwatering eats and unforgettable dining experiences. Leave the dirty work to the pros and keep your business out of hot water!

Get Your Grease Traps in Check with Drane Ranger

Ready to get serious about grease trap maintenance? Look no further than Drane Ranger. We’re your trusted provider of liquid waste removal services, including grease trap cleaning, for restaurants and food service establishments across Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, and Galveston County.

Our expert team serves Houston, Alvin, League City, Manvel, Rosharon, Angleton, Friendswood, Pearland, Sugar Land, and Texas City, ensuring your grease traps are always in top shape. With Drane Ranger’s grease trap service, you’ll enjoy:

• Prevention of costly blockages and backups
• Reduction of unpleasant odors
• Improved efficiency of your plumbing system

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact us today to schedule your grease trap service and keep your business running smoothly. Visit our website to learn more about how we can help you stay compliant and avoid the pitfalls of neglected grease traps. Your success is our top priority!

As a restaurant owner, managing waste is a crucial aspect of running your business. One essential component of your waste management system is the grease trap. Selecting the right grease trap for your restaurant can make a significant difference in the efficiency and effectiveness of your waste management processes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing a grease trap for your restaurant. Click here to learn why restaurants need grease traps.

Understanding Grease Traps and Their Importance

A grease trap, also known as a grease interceptor, is a plumbing device designed to intercept and separate fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it enters the main sewer system. These substances can solidify and accumulate in pipes, leading to clogs, blockages, and potential sewage backups. By installing a grease trap, you can prevent these issues and comply with local regulations regarding waste disposal.

Grease traps work by slowing down the flow of wastewater, allowing FOG to separate from the water and float to the surface. The wastewater then flows through the outlet, while the trapped grease remains in the interceptor for later removal. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your grease trap are essential to ensure its proper functioning and to prevent odors and overflow.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Grease Trap

Size and Capacity

One of the primary factors to consider when choosing a grease trap is its size and capacity. The size of your grease trap should be based on the volume of wastewater your restaurant generates and the amount of FOG present in that wastewater. A trap that is too small will require more frequent cleaning and may not effectively separate FOG, while an oversized trap can be unnecessarily expensive and take up valuable space.

To determine the appropriate size for your grease trap, consider factors such as the number of meals served per day, the type of cuisine, and the number of kitchen fixtures (sinks, dishwashers, etc.).

Material and Durability

Grease traps are available in various materials, including steel, plastic, and concrete. When selecting a material, consider its durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand the harsh environment of a restaurant kitchen.

Stainless steel grease traps are known for their strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. They are a popular choice for restaurants due to their long lifespan and easy maintenance.

Plastic grease traps, such as those made from polyethylene, are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective. However, they may not be as durable as steel traps and can be prone to cracking or damage if exposed to extreme temperatures.

Concrete grease traps are sturdy and long-lasting but are more difficult to install and maintain due to their weight and size. They are often used in larger commercial kitchens or outdoor installations.

Ease of Installation and Maintenance

When choosing a grease trap, consider the ease of installation and maintenance. Some traps are designed for above-ground installation, while others are installed below ground. Above-ground traps are generally easier to install and maintain, as they provide better accessibility for cleaning and inspection.

Seek grease traps equipped with features designed to streamline maintenance, like removable baffles or accessible lids for convenient interior access. Furthermore, consider the accessibility of local service providers. At Drane Ranger, we offer assistance with routine restaurant grease trap cleaning and maintenance, ensuring your system operates at its best.

Local Regulations and Compliance

Grease trap requirements and regulations vary by location, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines in your area. Some municipalities have strict standards for grease trap sizing, installation, and maintenance. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or legal consequences.

When selecting a grease trap, ensure that it meets the required specifications and is approved by your local health department or wastewater authority.

Cost and Budget Considerations

Finally, consider your budget when choosing a grease trap. While it may be tempting to opt for the least expensive option, keep in mind that investing in a high-quality, properly sized grease trap can save you money in the long run by preventing plumbing issues and reducing the frequency of cleanings.

When evaluating costs, factor in not only the initial purchase price but also the ongoing maintenance expenses. Some grease trap providers offer maintenance contracts that can help you budget for regular cleanings and inspections, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your system.

The Benefits of Professional Grease Trap Cleaning Services

Choosing the correct grease trap is essential, but ongoing maintenance and cleaning are just as vital. At Drane Ranger, we understand the significance of both. By teaming up with our professional restaurant grease trap cleaning services, you unlock numerous advantages for your establishment.

Expertise and Experience

Professional grease trap cleaners have the knowledge, skills, and equipment necessary to properly clean and maintain your grease trap. They understand the intricacies of various trap designs and can identify potential issues before they cause significant problems.

Thorough and Efficient Cleaning

Grease trap cleaning is a messy and time-consuming task. By outsourcing this responsibility to a professional service, you can ensure that your trap is cleaned thoroughly and efficiently, minimizing downtime for your restaurant.

Environmentally Safe Disposal

Proper disposal of grease and other waste from your trap is crucial to prevent environmental contamination. At Drane Ranger, our professional grease trap cleaning services strictly adhere to rigorous regulations and practices to ensure the safe and responsible disposal of waste materials.

Regular Maintenance Schedules

Establishing a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule with a professional service provider helps keep your grease trap functioning optimally and prevents unexpected issues. Your service provider can recommend the appropriate frequency of cleanings based on your restaurant’s specific needs and usage patterns.

Conclusion

Selecting the right grease trap for your restaurant is a critical decision that impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of your waste management system. By considering factors such as size, material, ease of maintenance, local regulations, and budget, you can choose a grease trap that meets your restaurant’s unique needs.

Partnering with a reputable restaurant grease trap cleaning company, like Drane Ranger, ensures that your system remains in top condition, preventing plumbing issues and maintaining a safe and hygienic kitchen environment. With our expertise, experience, and commitment to customer satisfaction, at Drane Ranger, we can help you navigate the process of selecting and maintaining the right grease trap for your restaurant.

Don’t let grease trap issues disrupt your restaurant’s operations. Contact Drane Ranger today to learn more about our restaurant grease trap cleaning services and how we can help keep your business running smoothly.

In the world of commercial kitchens and food service establishments, managing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) is critical to maintaining a clean, efficient, and regulation-compliant operation. Two primary devices used to manage FOG are grease traps and grease interceptors. Though they serve similar functions, there are distinct differences between the two that are essential for business owners and operators to understand.

What is a Grease Trap?

A grease trap, sometimes referred to as a grease interceptor of smaller size, is a plumbing device designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system. Typically installed under a sink or in the basement of a building, grease traps are small but effective, making them ideal for establishments with limited space or lower volumes of FOG. The efficiency of a grease trap depends on its size and the amount of FOG a facility produces.

Grease traps work by slowing down the flow of hot greasy water, allowing it to cool. As the water cools, grease and oil separate from the water and float to the top of the trap, while heavier solids fall to the bottom. The cleaner water then flows through the trap and into the sewage system, leaving the FOG to be manually removed by maintenance personnel.

What is a Grease Interceptor?

Grease interceptors are larger devices that perform a similar function to grease traps but on a much larger scale. They are typically installed outside of a building and can handle high volumes of FOG and wastewater. Grease interceptors are ideal for larger establishments such as hotel kitchens, large restaurants, and other facilities that produce significant amounts of FOG.

The operational principle of a grease interceptor is similar to that of a grease trap, relying on the difference in density between FOG and water to separate the two. However, due to their larger size, grease interceptors can handle higher volumes of wastewater and are equipped with additional features to improve efficiency and ease of maintenance.

Key Differences Between Grease Traps and Grease Interceptors

Size and Capacity: Grease traps are smaller and have a lower capacity, making them suitable for smaller food service establishments. Grease interceptors are larger, designed to handle greater volumes of FOG and wastewater.

Installation Location: Grease traps are often installed indoors, under sinks, or in basements. Grease interceptors are usually located outside, underground, or in large indoor spaces.

Maintenance and Cleaning: Due to their smaller size, grease traps require more frequent cleaning and maintenance. Grease interceptors, while also needing regular maintenance, typically have longer service intervals due to their larger size and higher capacity.

Regulatory Compliance: Depending on the local regulations, your establishment may be required to install a specific type of device. It’s crucial to consult with local water authorities to determine which device is appropriate for your business.

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Business

Selecting between a grease trap and a grease interceptor depends on several factors, including the size of your establishment, the volume of FOG your business produces, and local regulations. Small cafes or fast-food outlets might find grease traps sufficient and cost-effective, while larger restaurants, hotels, and institutions likely require the higher capacity offered by grease interceptors.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

Regardless of the type of device installed, regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial to prevent blockages, odors, and potential regulatory fines. Over time, accumulated FOG can lead to clogged pipes, unpleasant smells, and even sewage backups, posing significant health risks and potentially disrupting your business operations.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between grease traps and grease interceptors is essential for any food service business aiming to manage waste efficiently and comply with local regulations. Both devices play a crucial role in preventing FOG from entering the sewer system, but choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

For expert advice on grease trap cleaning and maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Drane Ranger (https://draneranger.com/), we are professionals and specialize in this field. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your FOG management system not only keep your operations smooth and compliant but also contribute to a healthier environment. Contact us today to ensure your establishment is equipped with the appropriate FOG management solution and to schedule regular maintenance for your grease trap or interceptor. Visit our website for more information on how we can assist you with your grease trap cleaning needs.

Grease traps are a vital component of both residential and commercial plumbing systems, as they help to keep your plumbing running smoothly and prevent clogs. They also do a lot in preventing contamination of the environment. It’s valuable to understand the benefits of grease traps for both homes and businesses, as well as the importance of regular maintenance, including “grease trap service near me”.

Benefits of Grease Traps in Homes

Grease traps act as a barrier by trapping fats, oils, and grease before they have a chance to enter the plumbing system. By doing so, grease traps discourage pests like rodents and insects from entering your home. They also help to ensure that wastewater is managed appropriately and that it will not pollute the environment. Grease traps help to protect pipes from damage and reduce the costs associated with plumbing repairs. Searching for regular grease trap service near me is essential in keeping grease traps functioning properly and avoiding expensive blockages and repairs.

Grease Traps in Businesses

Grease traps are essential for businesses as well, in order to help ensure compliance with local regulations, while also protecting pipes from damage. In addition, grease traps for businesses help to manage wastewater and reduce the risks of contamination. They protect pipes from clogs and other damage caused by grease buildup. By preventing blockages, grease traps help to reduce the costs associated with plumbing repairs.

Looking for consistent and professional “grease trap service near me” can help to ensure that all parts are in working condition, which can help to extend their lifespan. Proper maintenance of grease traps is essential for businesses to protect plumbing systems, reduce the costs associated with plumbing repairs and maintain safety standards.

Grease Trap Service Near Me

Regularly cleaning and maintaining grease traps is essential in keeping everything functioning properly. Signs of a blocked or damaged grease trap include strange odors, slow draining, or gurgling noises from the drain. To prevent these problems, grease traps should be inspected and cleaned once a month. In addition, any debris that accumulates should be removed in order to avoid clogs. Searching “grease trap service near me” will get you in touch with a professional, who will keep them functioning properly and help you avoid costly repairs or blockages.

Here at Drane Rangers, we provide professional grease trap servicing. This saves you the dirty job of opening the trap and clearing blockages. With our trained technicians on the job, you can be sure that your grease traps will be clean and blockage free. Grease traps are an incredibly important part of any plumbing system, as they help to protect pipes from erosion and prevent environmental contamination. Searching for regular “grease trap service near me” is necessary for both residential and commercial properties in order to keep your drainage systems running smoothly throughout the year and avoid unexpected and costly repairs to your system.

A grease trap is hidden under the floor or somewhere out of sight and out of the way. However, it is vital that you maintain your system including grease trap cleaning. A grease trap is hidden under the floor or somewhere out of sight and out of the way. However, it is vital that you maintain your system including grease trap cleaning.

What Is A Grease Trap?

A grease trap is part of the plumbing system. The function of the grease trap is to separate fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from the wastewater on the way to the sewer. The water will continue to flow into the sewer and the FOG will remain in the trap. If this is a busy business, the trap may fill up fast.

How Often Do I Need to Complete Grease Trap Cleaning?

Most grease traps need to be cleaned every three or four months. If the business is busier it may require grease trap cleaning more often. Grease traps need to be cleaned and maintained by professionals. When your trap is full, let us come and clean it.

What Happens If I Don’t Clean My Trap?

There are many concerns that happen if you don’t complete grease trap cleaning on a regular basis.

• The most noticeable is the smell. When the FOG builds up, mold, decomposing and decaying food sit in the mixture of the grease.  This mixture can give a foul smell. This can be a health hazard to your employees and will drive your customers away.
• A grease trap backup can then go into the sewer system. This would require additional cleaning, and this could also damage the sewer system. The city could then have your company pay for the damage.
• If the grease trap is not cleaned properly, it could back up into the plumbing system. This could cause expensive unplanned repairs.
• Above all a full grease trap can damage your hard-earned reputation; and this is more costly than any fine or repair bill.

Cleaning the Grease Trap Is Good for the Environment

When we think of protecting the environment, a grease trap is not something that normally comes to mind, but a clean grease trap can help. When a grease trap becomes full and overflows into the sewer or backs up the plumbing, the FOG can then escape into major waterways or underground drain fields. This can then damage the natural environment. Grease trap cleaning can prevent damage to the environment (and avoid hefty environmental fines).

Grease trap cleaning saves money from fines and unexpected costly repairs. Watching your grease trap, knowing when it is filling up, and calling us to empty and clean the trap can save money. We have over 30 years of experience and with a simple call, we can arrange the cleaning and maintenance of your grease trap before it’s too late. Check us out to learn about all our services and how we can help you.

If a commercial kitchen’s grease trap is regularly maintained and works properly, there’s usually no problem! Unfortunately, some commercial kitchen grease traps are not regularly maintained, they do not work properly and they do become problems.

Professional and expert commercial grease trap cleaning (https://draneranger.com/services/grease-grit-lint-traps/) is important to minimize grease trap problems and maximize kitchen efficiency.

Nearly every commercial kitchen is required to operate and maintain a grease trap in order to prevent sewage blockages. Grease traps primarily deal with fats, oils, and greases (FOG) that are produced during cooking, baking, frying, dish washing, and other commercial kitchen operations. But, as anyone in a commercial kitchen knows from experience, even making sure the amount of FOG materials that are washed away are kept to a minimum, preventing all of them from going down the sink is nearly impossible. That’s where commercial grease trap cleaning is comes in.

Commercial kitchen grease traps are designed to trap and intercept FOG, before the grungy fats, oils, and greases make it to the main sewer. Grease traps are installed in various places in a commercial kitchen—from under the sink to under the back parking lot, and they vary in both size and flow.

Commercial kitchens need a properly functioning and efficient grease trap, to reduce the chances of a grease trap getting full too quickly. Being pro-active with minimizing the solid food waste that goes down the drain, rinsing greasy dishes with cold water, and using biodegradable detergents for cleaning.

Even with the best of care, setting a scheduled maintenance and a commercial grease trap cleaning plan are vitally important.

Grease traps are always do dirty work! Commercial grease trap cleaning is important because FOG always rises to the surface of the water. A tube that dips below the water’s surface can pull out water that has separated from FOG liquids, as sludge and other non-FOG food waste quickly sink to the bottom.

Regularly scheduled commercial grease trap cleaning is often critical for the efficient and safe function of a commercial kitchen. Regularly emptying the grease and sludge collected by the grease trap is essential to keep the grease trap technology working properly. While some FOG materials may decompose naturally, the process is too slow to be timely, so the commercial kitchen grease trap needs to be evacuated every once in a while, no matter how well it’s used.

The recommended schedule for commercial grease trap cleaning varies. It is usually based on key factors like the kitchen’s size, type, and productivity, as well as the size, flow, and the amount of use that the grease trap has.

Unknowingly, some restaurants bring it on themselves!

Restaurant grease traps are essential parts of a kitchen’s daily operations. The business couldn’t function without it. Problems with a grease trap commonly referred to as a grease interceptor can quickly become a headache and a costly mess as it grinds a kitchen operation to a halt ––costing the business time and money.

Flushing trash. It’s a big mistake for grease trap problems. Pouring used cooking oil and other food-related waste down the drain inevitably causes grease trap issues, such as slow drainage, clogs, overflows, and foul odors. Trash, cooking oil, and other debris should never be flushed down your drain and into the grease trap.

Something stinks! A foul odor coming from around the grease trap is an indicator of a grease trap problem. Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) degrade the longer they sit in the trap, and will eventually lead to foul smells. Because bacteria eventually breaks down the solidified material, causing it to spoil and give off a bad smell. Grease trap cleaning service professionals explain that if the opening of the trap gets covered or clogged, the gases that form foul odors will flow ward from the grease trap and into the restaurant.

Slow drainage. The warning from grease trap cleaning service experts is that, if you notice the sink or other drainage areas in and around your kitchen are draining slowly, it could be an indicator of a problem with the grease trap. More specifically, a clog may have formed—or is forming—from solid food waste or other debris that has found its way into your drainage pipes and eventually your grease trap. When the fats, oil, and grease (FOGs) that your grease trap catches solidify, they eventually begin to build up and slow down the water flow to and from the trap.

Overflow! The most obvious symptom of a grease trap problem is an overflow. Maybe grease itself escaping through the manhole cover in the trap or a backup in the kitchen. An overflow means the problem has already gotten fairly severe and likely needs urgent help from a grease trap cleaning service. Grease spills are tricky messes to clean up. There is a specific way to handle them, and if done correctly, the spread of an overflow can be minimized.

A full cleaning by a certified and qualified grease trap cleaning service will eliminate the problems. Fix the clogs, pump out the sludge and grease, often hydrojetting to force out the debris into either the neighboring compartment or into the sewer line, and everything is scrubbed down to remove all remaining residue. Grease trap cleaning service pros agree that grease traps should be emptied every three months.

Grease traps (also known as grease interceptors, grease recovery devices, grease capsules and grease converters) are plumbing devices (traps) designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system.

The essential need for grease trap cleaning service and scheduled maintenance is because grease traps work on the basis that animal fats and vegetable oils (grease) are 10 to 15 percent less dense than water and that grease won’t mix with water. Fats and oils float on top of water.

Restaurant and food service kitchens produce waste grease which is present in the drain lines from various sinks, dishwashers and cooking equipment such as combi ovens and commercial woks. Rotisserie ovens have also become big sources of waste grease. If not regularly and properly removed by a grease trap cleaning service, the grease can clump and cause blockage and back-up in the sewer.

Common wastewater contains small amounts of oils which enter into septic tanks and treatment facilities to form a floating scum layer. This scum layer is very slowly digested and broken down by microorganisms in the anaerobic digestion process. Large amounts of oil from food preparation in restaurants can overwhelm a septic tank or treatment facility, causing the release of untreated sewage into the environment.

Professionals who provide important grease trap cleaning services explain that high-viscosity fats and cooking grease such as lard solidify when cooled, and can combine with other disposed solids to block drain pipes.

FOGS (fats, oils, grease, and solids) are the major enemies of the drains and garbage disposals of commercial kitchen. Grease trap cleaning service technicians explain that when the FOGS start to cool, they solidify, and result in a thick, waxy substance that adheres to the walls of drainpipes. The end result is in slow drains and often total clogs.

When the outflow from the kitchen sink enters the grease trap, the solid food particles sink to the bottom, while lighter grease and oil float to the top. The relatively grease-free water is then fed into the normal septic system. The food solids at the bottom and floating oil and grease must be periodically removed in a manner similar to septic tank pumping. A traditional grease trap is not a food disposal unit. Unfinished food must be scraped into the garbage or food recycling bin. Gravy, sauces and food solids must be scraped off dishes before entering the sink or dishwasher.

A grease trap is basically a box of water that traps grease and food waste (for example from washing dishes) and prevents it from blocking the waster system pipes. Over time – the grease trap will become completely blocked with grease preventing water flow through it. It’s time for a grease trap cleaning service.

Commercial grease trap cleaning is essential maintenance that often gets forgotten or skipped. Commercial grease trap cleaning is essential maintenance that often gets forgotten or skipped.

Sure signs of grease pit trouble are:

. when drains back up frequently

. there is pest infestation around the drain

. grease flows back into the sink

. slow draining

. odors coming from the drain

FOGS (fats, oils, grease, and solids) are the major enemies of the drains and garbage disposals of commercial kitchen. In their natural, liquid form, people don’t think twice about pouring it down the drain.

Commercial grease trap cleaning professionals warn that, when the FOGS start to cool, they solidify, and result in a thick, waxy substance that adheres to the walls of drainpipes. The end result is in slow drains and often total clogs.

A grease trap is basically a box of water that traps grease and food waste (for example from washing dishes) and prevents it from blocking the waster system pipes. Over time – the grease trap will become completely blocked with grease preventing water flow through it.

The structure has a baffle inside that retains the wastewater long enough for the grease to solidify and rise to the top, while the clean water flows through.  At the surface, the grease trap has removable lids used for inspections and cleanings.

Regular commercial grease trap cleaning—using the proper, professional equipment and techniques— usually takes from 20-30 minutes and is crucial for efficient operations and helps keep the number of down.

A safe and recommended commercial grease trap cleaning rule of thumb is to use the One Quarter Rule. Every three months. It complies with local regulations and for some busy restaurants, the traps should be emptied more often.

Keeping an eye on the grease trap and when it is a quarter of the way full (every three weeks), it is time to clean it out. The reason for the One Quarter Rule is because, at that point, the trap becomes no longer effective.

Commercial grease trap cleaning technicians vacuum the grease trap, scrape the grease trap clean and flow test to confirm proper draining.

Commercial grease trap cleaning works with cool water to allow the FOGS to float to the top. Wait ten minutes once the hot wastewater has been released from the dishwasher or sink and cools. The grungy fats, oils and greases are accessed by carefully prying off the grease tank cover. A delicate and critical component, known as the gasket, can be damaged if lifting off the cover without precaution.

Not only do commercial grease trap cleaning professionals efficiently remove and thoroughly clean grease traps, a key part of commercial grease trap cleaning is disposing of the waste safely.

Grease and oil are unavoidable in the restaurant business and getting rid of it safely is absolutely necessary to keep a kitchen running smoothly. Wastewater that is produced in the kitchen is often full of grease and oil from either the cooking process or left over on dishes after a patron has finished their meal, and all this wastewater goes down the drain. This can cause major issues if there isn’t proper equipment in place to capture all the fats, oils and grease (FOGs) before it makes it to the sewers. FOGs will combine with everything else drained into the city systems by every business, and eventually cause clogs that cost cities and municipalities millions of dollars to clear up (“greasebergs”). The protective equipment is called a grease trap, but without restaurant grease trap cleaning regularly, the traps can get clogged too.

What are Grease Traps

Grease traps are the best line of defense in protecting public sewers and plumbing. Restaurant grease trap cleaning could be done by a business owner, but without the proper knowledge, it’s going to be hard, dirty and probably done wrong, so calling in the professionals is always the best option.

The way grease traps work is that they capture FOGs that are drained down sinks, toilets, basins, etc. When water enters the grease trap, the FOGs naturally won’t mix with water and will float to the top, while any solid wastes will sink to the bottom of the interception tank. Around the middle of the tank is where any displaced wastewater that is safe for sewers ends up, and that will drain into the sewer lines. Of course, like any tank or trap, there is a limit to capacity. As FOGs and solid waste build up, the likelihood of them ending up in the sewers gradually increases, which means grease trap cleaning is absolutely necessary to prevent FOGs from getting into sewer systems and wrecking havoc.

How Often to Clean Grease Traps

Depending on the size of your business, restaurant grease trap cleaning should be done every 30-90 days by a professional. The process is quick, and affordable. Avoiding cleaning can be costly, especially if the city fines you for FOGs related blockages or you get a backup into your own building.

Other Advantages to Restaurant Grease Trap Cleaning

Proper restaurant grease trap cleaning will help prevent the backing up of smells or liquids back into your restaurant, or outside your restaurant; smells that will greatly deter customers and result in closures. Clogging your grease trap will also damage it and result in the need for expensive repairs you could have avoided with regular restaurant grease trap cleaning schedules.

Professional restaurant grease trap cleaning also means you don’t have to worry about where everything that gets cleaned out of the grease trap goes. The company performing your servicing will handle the waste in an environmentally responsible way that complies with local regulations.

If you are in need of restaurant grease trap cleaning in the Houston and Sugar Land area, and are looking for a BBB accredited business with a highly trained and certified team, then look no further than Drane Ranger for all your grease trap cleaning needs.