In any professional kitchen space, cooking tends to generate a lot of dirt and waste. This waste can build up quickly, and must be properly disposed of in order to keep the workplace clean. Otherwise, the buildup can become a hindrance to your commercial kitchen’s productivity, as well as contaminate your local sewage system.
To help you understand more about how grease traps work, our plumbing and indoor air quality team at Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning shares their insight below.
How Do Grease Traps Work?
Also known as grease interceptors, grease traps are installed in a drain or waste pipe to prevent grease from passing into sanitary sewer lines and systems. They’ve been around since the 1800s, when they were first introduced and patented. They come in different sizes, and are designed to capture food solids, fats, oils and grease.
Why Do You Need One for Your Commercial Kitchen?
Around 400,000 sewers in the U.S. back up every year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These blockages are mainly caused by grease, and if left unaddressed, they can cause overflows and other major plumbing problems underneath your establishment. This is why it’s strongly recommended that a functional grease trap be installed by plumbing and HVAC maintenance professionals.
The fats, oils and grease (also known as FOG) generated by large establishments such as schools, cafeterias and restaurants can become problematic if a grease trap isn’t properly installed. A functional grease trap will prevent FOG from contaminating the sewage system as well, so be sure to work with a trusted plumber who can help maintain it and keep it free of clogs.
When it comes to plumbing and duct cleaning services, Bill Reynolds Heating & Air Conditioning always gets the job done. You can reach us at (440) 946-7863 or by filling out our convenient online form.
I found it informative when you talked about how grease traps are used to prevent oils, fats, and food solids from getting into the sewer system. I would imagine that a sewer line would get clogged if enough fats and oils were allowed to build up if there is no grease trap blocking them. If enough water is built up behind these blockages, it could cause the sewer line to burst.