One thing that modern advancements haven’t entirely innovated yet is restaurant grease traps. The old-fashioned method for trapping grease through interceptors is still commonly used in kitchens across the US today. Making the understanding of the inner workings of grease traps and how to maintain them is much more important for restaurant owners and chefs.
As leaders in grease trap cleaning Metro Detroit, WaterWork Plumbing compiled the ultimate guide. Here, you’ll learn about all the basics of grease traps and interceptors in the restaurant business and how to properly maintain them for the utmost success and to avoid any issues that could arise.
Grease Traps: The Basics
First and foremost, grease traps are plumbing devices that are designed to intercept and capture fats, oils, grease (FOG), and solid waste before they enter wastewater systems. The devices work through a precise separation process that takes advantage of the basic principle that fats and oils are lighter than water.
As wastewater flows through the trap, it slows down significantly, allowing time for the lighter FOG materials to float to the surface while heavier solids sink to the bottom. This process is essential because when fats, oils, and grease enter sewer systems, they can cool and solidify. This allows them to adhere to the pipe walls and gradually accumulate over time, causing blockages and buildups that can restrict water flow. Eventually, backups and buildups can lead to costly sewer backups, environmental hazards, and potential health code violations.
These traps serve as the first defense in preventing severe plumbing issues, especially in commercial kitchens where large volumes of FOG are generated daily through cooking, dishwashing, and food preparation. To ensure your business avoids any interruption in operation, expensive repairs, or more significant municipal sewer system issues (that can affect entire communities!), it’s crucial to maintain grease traps and interceptors properly.
Where are Interceptors Used?
You’ll find grease traps and interceptors primarily in commercial establishments and restaurants where food preparation and cooking take place. The most obvious grease producers in kitchen environments are fryers, griddles, and ovens; however, amounts also come from dishwashing areas where residue and oils are washed from plates.
Understanding these multiple sources of grease is crucial for restaurant operators, as each contributes to the overall grease load their interceptors must handle. Most municipalities now recognize the essential role that grease traps and interceptors play in protecting public infrastructure, hence their widespread adoption across the US.
To ensure these essential plumbing devices operate at peak efficiency, both restaurant management staff and municipal inspectors conduct routine system checks and maintenance inspections. This dual oversight helps prevent system failures and ensures compliance with local health and safety regulations while protecting the establishment’s plumbing system and the broader municipal sewer infrastructure.
Types of Grease Traps to Know
Now, let’s learn more about the most commonly used types of grease traps to extend your knowledge.
Passive Grease Traps
Passive grease traps are the most traditional types for smaller operations typically installed under three-compartment sinks. Even though passive traps do offer basic grease separation, they require frequent maintenance and have limited capacity. However, they do offer restaurant owners advantages, too, such as:
- Lower initial installation costs
- Easy access for cleaning
- Minimal space requirements
- Suitable for operations with moderate grease output
Grease Recovery Devices (GRDs)
Another grease trap and interceptor type is a Grease Recovery Device or GRD. These are more modern equipment, offering the automated removal of accumulated grease rather than manual maintenance associated with passive traps. These systems provide several advantages, including:
- Reduced manual cleaning requirements
- Potential for oil recycling programs
- More consistent performance
- Lower long-term maintenance costs
- Improved sanitation standards
In-Ground Grease Interceptors
In a high-volume kitchen, you’ll find more large-capacity units known as in-ground grease interceptors. These are usually constructed with durable materials like fiberglass or steel, and offer advantages like:
- Substantial holding capacity
- Ability to handle multiple kitchen drainage points
- Extended periods between maintenance cycles
- Comprehensive solid waste capture
- Superior compliance with commercial codes
Maintenance Best Practices for Grease Traps and Interceptors
Grease traps and interceptors are far from “set it and forget it” equipment in your restaurant. For optimal performance, regular maintenance is required not only on a daily basis but also on an ongoing basis, as well. Next, we’ll cover all the maintenance best practices that restaurant owners should be aware of.
Daily Maintenance and Management
For daily upkeep, here are tips and best practices to properly manage your kitchen’s grease trap and interceptors:
- Train staff on proper scraping and disposal of food waste
- Use drain strainers in all sinks
- Avoid disposing of cooking oil down drains
- Keep maintenance logs updated
- Monitor water temperatures in washing areas
Ongoing Maintenance
To further support the overall health of your grease trap and interceptor system, here’s ongoing maintenance you can perform and tips to protect the systems.
- Inspect grease traps weekly for accumulation levels
- Schedule professional cleaning before units reach 25% capacity
- Document all maintenance activities
- Keep disposal records for at least three years
- Regular staff training on grease management procedures
Professional Services
Many restaurants outsource grease trap cleaning Metro Detroit, especially. Working with qualified maintenance providers ensures:
- Proper disposal of collected waste
- Compliance with local regulations
- Professional inspection of system components
- Early identification of potential issues
- Proper documentation for regulatory requirements
The Final Word: Grease Trap Cleaning Metro Detroit
Whether your restaurant is in need of plumbing services or grease trap cleaning Metro Detroit…WaterWork Plumbing has your back! WaterWork has been servicing the Metro Detroit area with exemplary service and expertise since 2006.
From Ferndale to Lake Orion, Canton to Hamtramck, and everywhere in between, our technicians offer maintenance services, emergency repairs, and beyond.
Schedule a service online now, or contact our team to learn more. Before you go, get even more tips and best practice guides for homeowners and business owners to help protect your investments with our complete resources.
