The truth about grease traps is one that many homeowners and restaurant owners should become familiar with. A grease trap is an essential component of both residential and commercial plumbing systems. It is designed to capture fats, oils, and greases (collectively referred to as FOG) before they enter the public sewer system, preventing costly backups and clogs. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of grease traps, how they work, and how to properly maintain them.
What is a grease trap?
A grease trap is a plumbing device designed to catch and retain fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) from wastewater before they enter the municipal sewer system. Grease traps are most commonly used in commercial kitchens, but they can also be found in other areas of businesses and homes where FOGs are discharged into the sewage system. The primary purpose of the grease trap is to prevent grease and other solids from clogging up drains and sewers, which can lead to costly repairs and possible contamination of local water sources. Grease traps work by slowly releasing wastewater into a container that contains baffles or other filter systems that collect and separate the FOGs from the wastewater. The separated FOGs are then either disposed of in a designated container or recycled.
How does it work?
Grease traps are designed to separate and capture grease, oil, and other solids from entering the waste water system. When hot water and other liquid waste is sent down the drain, it passes through the grease trap. Fats, oils, and greases will naturally rise to the top due to their lower specific gravity. This allows the grease to be trapped while allowing the rest of the wastewater to pass through. The captured grease is held in the grease trap until it is cleaned out and disposed of properly.
Why do you need one?
Grease traps are essential for any commercial kitchen, as they help to ensure that the kitchen remains clean and safe. Grease traps play a key role in preventing unwanted grease and solids from entering into the plumbing system, which can cause a number of issues such as clogged pipes, backups, and unpleasant odors. Grease traps also help to protect the environment by preventing fats, oils, and grease from entering into our water supply. Without a grease trap, these substances can build up in our sewer systems and cause costly problems. Additionally, having a properly functioning grease trap can help to reduce the risk of fires in a commercial kitchen. Therefore, it is essential to have a grease trap installed in your kitchen in order to keep your drains flowing smoothly, protect the environment, and reduce the risk of fire.
Are there different types of grease traps?
Yes, there are several different types of grease traps that are used to help reduce the amount of grease and other contaminants that enter a septic system or sewage treatment plant. The most common types of grease traps include gravity grease traps, hydro mechanical grease traps, and automatic grease interceptors.
Gravity grease traps are the most basic type of grease trap and operate by using gravity to separate solids from water. Water enters the tank, which is filled with a filter material to help capture suspended particles. The lighter particles will then rise to the top of the tank, while the heavier particles will settle to the bottom. The separated waste is then discharged from the tank in the form of two separate outlets.
Hydro mechanical grease traps are similar to gravity traps, but use mechanical elements to separate solids and oils. This type of trap requires a motor to agitate and separate the solids and oils. Hydro mechanical traps also have a separation chamber, which is where solids and oils are collected for disposal.
Automatic grease interceptors are the most sophisticated type of grease trap and utilize an automated filtering system to catch and separate fats, oils, and greases from wastewater. These systems typically feature alarms that sound when the filter needs to be changed or replaced.
All three types of grease traps have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and depending on your specific situation, one may be more suitable than another. Therefore, it is important to consult with a professional before deciding which type of grease trap is right for you.
