All About Grease Traps

Grease traps also go by the names grease recovery devices, grease converters or grease interceptors. They prevent fats, oils and grease in drained water from getting into the main sewer lines and eventually clogging up the drains. Grease, which is a broad name for oils used for cooking, personal hygiene and mechanical purposes, don’t mix well with water. As a result, the grease floats above water and cools into a semi-solid state, which traps particles and eventually leads to blockage in the sewer lines.

Grease traps are mostly present in commercial restaurants and institutions dealing with food since these businesses work with grease round the clock. Unlike restaurants which discharge grease from the kitchen, hotels have a restaurant as well as multiple toilets and showers, from where oily products could get access to the sewer lines. If not duly addressed, blockages from grease accumulation could then spread to the main sewers and cause water back up in different rooms.

There are two types of grease traps; passive and in-ground. Passive grease interceptors are installed at the point of water drainage, such as in dishwashers or the shower drain. They serve the secondary sewer lines. In-ground grease interceptors on the other hand, are installed outside the hotel and serve the main sewer line. The two work the same way; by collecting drained water in a temporary reservoir. Once the food and waste particles settle at the bottom of the trap, grease, fats and oils float above the water. The wastewater is then drained off, leaving behind grease and sunken particles.

The accumulated grease and waste particle must be removed periodically. Our local plumbers are well trained to safely clean safely drain the grease without compromising the efficiency of grease trap itself. Plus, they have the right experience to also unclogged blocked sewers if need be. Contact us today for that periodic drain cleaning that prevents sewer blockage.