Commercial Grease Trap Pumping
Grease Traps
Regularly scheduled maintenance of commercial kitchen grease traps prevents build up and blockage of sewer lines and drains.
Keep your commercial kitchen running smoothly and your business in compliance with state and local regulations.
Grease traps are key to the operation of any restaurant, school, retirement community, commercial kitchen, hospital or clinic sewage or drainage system.Â
Save Time
Save Money
Prevent Downtime
Prevent Non-Compliance
Reduce Emergency Calls
How it’s Done
- Inspect the grease trap’s parts once the lid is removed. You will be removing and replacing parts during cleaning, and you need to know where the components are located and how to install them to put them back in properly. For better results, it may help to draw a diagram of the trap’s interior so that you can refer to during the re-installation process.
- Insert a wooden dowel or measuring stick into the grease trap. Gently guide it to the bottom of the trap, and swirl it lightly in the trap so that the grease and oils mark the dowel. This can provide you with a guide to how much debris is in the trap.
- Remove the dowel, and use a tape measure to determine how many inches of waste are present. Record the results in a FOG (fatty oils and grease) pump out report, which is issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Use a small bucket to remove any standing water from the tank of your grease trap. If you prefer, you can store the water in a larger bucket or trash bin, and pour it back into the drain after collecting the waste.
- Remove the waste from your grease trap with the small bucket. Scoop the bucket in to the trap, and bring out the solidified waste. Place the waste in a water-tight container, such as a heavy-duty plastic trash bag. Scoop the bucket in to the trap, and bring out the solidified waste. Place the waste in a water-tight container, such as a heavy-duty plastic trash bag.
- Scrape down the lid and the sides of the trap with your bucket. Remove any large pieces of fat or oils that are attached to the trap. To achieve an even cleaner trap, you can use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any smaller bits of waste.
- Clean the lids, trap sides, and parts with soap and room-temperature water. Use a steel pot scrubber to remove excess waste and odor. Flush the screens and parts with water to remove the soap and debris.
- Re-install the grease traps parts by following your diagram. Replace the lid once all the parts are secured and working.
- Copy your FOG report for your records. [1] Mail the original to the address listed on the report.
You Should Know
- Grease trap cleaning should be a regular part of your facility’s maintenance routine. The EPA requires that these traps remain clutter-free and functional. [2] Failure to comply is a criminal offense in most locations.
- A mask is recommended due to the rancid odors of the grease trap.
- For optimal results, you should perform a vigorous cleaning a minimum of every 90 days. This will have multiple benefits, including minimizing foul odors emanating from the trap, preventing it from overflowing into your business or the street, and guaranteeing its effectiveness. You will also need to follow the direction of your city requirements.
