Owning a restaurant business in Michigan requires undivided attention because of its numerous concerns. Grease trap cleaning is one of them and one that is often overlooked.
Grease traps catch the oil, fats, and grease coming from the food cooked in your kitchen and the dishes that need to be washed. The grease trap separates water from the oils then the water eventually goes down the drain. It is essential to keep the grease trap well-maintained not only because the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires you to, but because of its significant impact on your business. Grease trap cleaning is mandatory, a routine procedure necessary for restaurants and other facilities that have cooking areas such as schools and hospitals. What is a grease trap and why does it need to be cleaned?Kitchen sinks, dishwashers, disposals, or any floor drain that would funnel FOG into the wastewater stream need to filter through a Grease Trap. As shown in this diagram, the grease and oils float to the surface while heavier particles sink to the bottom. The water flows thru the outlet pipe, preventing the grease and solids from entering the water stream. Over time, the layers of grease and sediment build-up and, if left unchecked, can block the water outlet or be forced into the city sewer system. Dangers of a Clogged Grease Trap
If you notice your sink draining slowly, check if your grease trap is full or clogged. It’s a sign that your grease trap needs cleaning. 2. Unpleasant SmellEver wonder where that unpleasant odor is coming from? If you have checked every nook and cranny of your restaurant and haven’t found where the foul smell is coming from, try looking in the direction of your grease trap. When food particles trapped along with the fats, oil, and grease decompose in the grease trap, it releases a foul odor that would be unappetizing to customers and may even cause health issues to your customers and employees. Before any of this happens, have your grease trap cleaned. 3. Presence of grease in different areasThe presence of grease in various areas of your restaurant may also indicate that your grease trap is scheduled for cleaning. If your grease trap gets clogged, the oil may escape through your pipes, sinks, and any possible exit. When this happens, grease will be all over the place and would look messy. Check your grease trap for clogging and schedule maintenance. 4. The grease trap is 25% fullAnother indication for grease trap maintenance is when the level of grease and food particles is 25% of the wastewater depth. Following EPA’s rule of 25% is the best time to have your grease trap cleaned. It was observed that when your grease trap becomes ¼ full, it may start causing problems in your kitchen. It may already cause clogging in kitchen sinks or pose health risks. Therefore, heed the sign to clean your grease trap when it is a quarter full already. 5. When water is not flowing to the sewerIf you look at the grease trap with the tap on, you will be able to see how it works and if it is functioning well. The fats, oil, and grease are meant to be trapped in the grease trap as its name suggests, and the water should go to the sewer where it can be treated. When the water is flowing freely, it means your grease trap is not yet clogged with accumulated grease. If the water is not moving and the grease trap is about to overflow, then it must be time for cleaning. 6. Too much food and solids in grease trapWhat you drained on a daily basis has a strong impact on how often your grease trap has to be cleaned. If it’s mainly water, your grease trap should be in fine working order. However, if you pour oil and food scraps down the drain, your grease trap is definitely in need of cleaning. Make sure that your present employees, as well as new employees, are informed of correct disposal methods to avoid grease and food waste from flowing down the drain. It is the best approach to keep your grease trap remain clean for a longer period of time. 7. Overflow of sewage at a manholeFood service facilities are required to clean their grease traps within a 90 days interval. But if you observe overflow of sewage at a manhole in your parking lots or streets, an area in your establishment might have a clogged pipe or drain. A clogged grease trap can also be the cause and should be scheduled for cleaning. If you do not remember the last time your grease trap was cleaned, then maybe it is time to schedule the next. For food establishments, EPA requires grease trap maintenance at least once every three months. Muskegon, Michigan's Most Trusted Grease Trap Maintenance Service ProviderWhen you hire a professional grease trap cleaning service, you will not forget the last time your grease trap was cleaned. You can come up with a regular schedule to clean your grease trap to make sure that it does not get full. For professional grease trap cleaning and line up your next cleaning schedule. Contact West Michigan Septic Sewer and Drain at
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