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.
Worried about lead in your pipes? The City of Cincinnati may be able to help.
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.
Restaurants aren’t the only businesses that require grease trap cleaning and pumping. In fact, grease trap pumping is a must for any business that has a kitchen, and that includes schools, nursing homes and assisted living communities, as well as catering businesses and sports venues. If you’re cooking in a facility that feeds lots of people, at some point you’re going to need your grease trap pumped. And we can help.
Allied Reddi-Rooter is Cincinnati’s grease trap pumping specialist. It’s a service we provide almost daily to local businesses to ensure their kitchens are optimally clean and sanitary. And this, in turn, helps the Cincinnati community stay healthy, so grease doesn’t get trapped in sewer lines and contaminate water.
Why is grease trap pumping important?
Your grease trap has an important job to do. It stops oil and grease from getting into the wastewater that flows through the sewer lines. If the grease trap isn’t working effectively, grease and oil will build up in your kitchen’s pipes and cause serious clogs.
A grease trap, which every professional kitchen should have, catches grease via a series of “baffles.” And these traps have to be cleaned at least every three months. If your grease trap is more than 1/4th full of grease and oil, it’s time for the grease trap to be pumped.
How grease trap pumping works
We begin by pumping the grease and oil from the trap into the tank of an Allied Reddi-Rooter truck. Then, we apply a high pressure wash to remove any excess grease that is still left in the trap.
After the grease trap is clean, we take the truck back to our facility, where the collected grease and oil are processed using a polymer. Then, once in a more solid state, it is filtered through screens. The dry waste that remains is thrown away and the remaining water is safe enough to be released as wastewater.
Tips to keep you grease trap cleaner
Make sure to dry wipe your pots and pans. You’ll want to keep them free of any residual grease that can remain after you give them a rinse and before you put them in a dishwasher. Make sure to do the same with your plates and utensils.
Dispose of cooking safely. In the U.S., we generate 2.5 billion gallons of used cooking oil a year, and it’s important to dispose of it safely. This can be done by chilling the grease in a sealable container and throwing it away with your regular garbage.
Remember to clean your grease traps every four weeks, and clean them before or after business hours so that your customers don’t have to put up with the smell.
Ready for your grease trap to be pumped? Give the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call or Contact us . We’ll keep your kitchen safe and clean. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
Learn more. Watch our YouTube video.