Operating a restaurant comes with its own challenges, and managing grease traps is big. This is where grease traps come in. They play a key role in ensuring that your restaurant’s plumbing system remains in top shape and complies with the city’s regulations.
We’ve compiled the top 10 questions we get from restaurant owners about grease traps to help you navigate this important aspect of your business.
1. What is a grease trap, and why is it important?
A grease trap is designed to catch and separate fats, oils, and grease from wastewater before entering the main sewer system. It is critical to prevent clogs in your pipes and avoid potential sewer backups.
2. How often should grease traps be cleaned?
The grease trap cleaning frequency depends on the trap size and volume of grease your restaurant produces. Typically, grease traps should be cleaned every one to three months. However, high-volume establishments may need more frequent maintenance.
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3. What are the signs that my grease trap needs attention?
Slow drainage, unpleasant odors, and frequent backups are common signs that your grease trap needs cleaning. If you notice these issues, it’s a good idea to schedule a service as soon as possible to avoid more significant problems.
4. Can I clean the grease trap myself?
While it might be tempting to handle grease trap cleaning in-house, it’s generally recommended that you hire a plumbing professional. Grease trap cleaning involves properly removing and disposing of grease, which requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
5. How do I choose the right grease trap for my restaurant?
Selecting the right grease trap depends on your kitchen size and the grease you handle. Consulting with a professional plumber can help you determine the appropriate grease trap size and type for your needs.
6. What are the local regulations for grease traps in Cincinnati?
The City of Cincinnati has specific regulations regarding grease traps, including requirements for installation, maintenance, and cleaning intervals. It’s essential to stay informed about these regulations to avoid fines and ensure compliance.
7. What happens if I don’t maintain my restaurant’s grease traps?
Neglecting grease trap maintenance can lead to many problems, including clogged pipes, sewer backups, and unpleasant odors. Over time, this neglect can also result in costly repairs and fines.
8. Are there any alternatives to traditional grease traps?
Alternative systems exist, such as grease recovery devices (GRDs) and automatic grease removal units (AGRUs). These systems can offer more efficient grease management and may be suitable for certain types of restaurants.
9. How can I reduce the amount of grease that enters the grease trap?
Implementing grease management best practices can help reduce the grease entering your trap. These include scraping plates before washing, using grease-reducing detergents, and training staff on proper disposal methods. Proper kitchen practices can help lessen the grease load and improve the efficiency of your grease trap.
10. What should I do if I notice grease buildup in my plumbing?
If you notice grease buildup in your plumbing, it’s essential to address it promptly to avoid more severe issues. Contact a professional plumber to inspect and clean your grease trap and address any blockages. Regular maintenance and prompt action can prevent damage and keep your plumbing system in good working order.
Ready to schedule your grease trap cleaning? The Allied Reddi-Rooter team is here to ensure your restaurant’s plumbing system stays in top shape and problem-free.
Clogs in drains can be stubborn and extremely difficult to remove. Even a small clog in a toilet or the kitchen sink can cause big problems and disrupt your life. Imagine getting dinner ready without a sink to use, for example.
It’s tempting to try to clear a clog on your own. In fact, you may even be tempted to purchase a snake at your local hardware store to clear the clog yourself. And while that might work in a pinch, the solution might be temporary.
When it comes to clogged drains, you’re better off contacting a professional plumber who can use a mechanical auger or perform water jet cleaning to clear the drain properly – and for good.
What are drain snakes?
Snakes are often the first go-to after an over-the-counter drain cleaning solution doesn’t do the job. Snakes look a lot like their name, they are a long device that runs down the drain to dislodge the clog and help flush the blockage. Snakes can be readily purchased at your local home improvement store and are easy to use.
They are ideal to use for minor clogs in the bathroom, and for your garbage disposals and kitchen drains as well. However, it’s important to note that often, you’ll need a tougher device to unclog your pipes.
What are mechanical drain augers?
If the drain snake did not work, it’s time to call a plumber, who can use a mechanical auger to get rid of the clog. Like a snake, these also are a long device but they’re able to cover wider pipes and drains than snakes can.
How do snakes and augers differ?
The biggest difference between a snake and an auger is that snakes can help with smaller clogs, while a mechanical auger that plumbing companies including Allied Reddi-Rooter use can reach the blockage, break it up, and effectively clear residue along the pipes.
This means that mechanical augers are capable of working on the toughest clogs, and even on roots that grow into outdoor sewage pipes. Snakes might work fine for smaller pipes with minor clogs, but for most major clogs that require help from a plumber, an auger or water jet can better clear out the obstructions.
What is water jet cleaning?
Water jet cleaning is often the next step after a video inspection of your home’s pipes indicates a serious clog. The process works via an extremely high pressured hose with a nozzle on the end – much like a typical hose you use outdoors.
However, this hose connects with a machine that pressurizes the water that is pushed out to create a powerful stream that can break up the most stubborn clogs. In addition to clearing out the pipes, it can also clean them so they function at their best and are less likely to clog in the future.
When should have water jet cleaning?
Anyone with a serious clog should consider water jet cleaning. It’s also an excellent solution for getting rid of grease build up that is stubbornly clinging to the walls of the pipes. And since it can cut through tree roots, dried concrete and even wood (much like a laser beam), water jet cleaning is ideal for sewer pipe cleaning as well.
What should I do if I have a stubborn clog in my drain?
Call the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call at 513-396-5300, or contact us via our website. We can use a mechanical auger or schedule water jet cleaning to take care of the clog in your drain for good. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.