Have you experienced dining in a restaurant with a foul smell coming from the kitchen? It is so obnoxious that you want to dash towards the exit. If this is the case, the culprit may be the grease trap filled to the brim.
A commercial grease trap is one of the greatest inventions to save the environment and marine and aquatic resources. But it is not a ‘dunk and forget me’ tool. Like other tools and equipment, a commercial grease trap needs regular cleaning and maintenance to work effectively. However, commercial grease trap cleaning is a dirty job, whether you like it or not.
How Does a Commercial Grease Trap Work?
In the late 1800s, Nathaniel Whiting invented a grease trap in California. It traps fats, oil, and grease (FOG) and prevents them from flowing with wastewater into the sewerage system.
The chemical property of FOG materials is less dense than water. It floats on top. A commercial grease trap is a plumbing device installed in the wastewater system to separate the layer of FOG from water and solid materials. It prevents blockage of the sewer system that could cause floods and damage to the natural environment.
What you need to know about commercial grease trap cleaning
Commercial grease trap cleaning is the process of removing fats, oil, and grease (FOG) as well as food particles from the unit. The idea is to prevent FOG from flowing wastewater into the city sewerage system. Here are some of the best practices in commercial grease trap cleaning:
· Recycle waste cooking oil
The waste cooking oil is recycled into biofuel to generate power for your business establishment. Place tin cans in designated areas for efficient collection of waste cooking oil. What a way to save money and save the environment too!
· Do not pour grease down your sink.
Pour grease and food articles into trash bins for spoiled food instead of sinks. For this, prevention of clogged pipes is the key.
· Wipe dishes and kitchen utensils that contain oil and grease.
The dishes, kitchen utensils, and cookware must be clean with kitchen napkins before washing in the sink. It helps avoid flushing FOB down the drain.
5 Reasons why you should not ignore commercial grease trap cleaning
1. Loss of Business
Who wants to dine in a restaurant or café that smells like rotten food? Word of mouth is the fastest form of advertisement. Your patrons may hear about it from the grapevine. Worse, your business may close shop in the blink of an eye.
2. Pollution
Fats, oil, and grease (FOG) threaten the natural environment. When flushed with wastewater, they cool and harden over time and clog the pipelines and sewer lines. A massive buildup will cause the sewage system to overflow into private and public properties and business establishments. If FOG overflow with wastewater into the ocean, river, and streams, it will be detrimental to marine life and aquatic resources. What if FOG contaminates our potable water?
3. Extra Cost
Delaying commercial grease trap cleaning thickens the FOG in the unit. It may take longer hours to clean the unit. As a result, your service provider may charge an extra fee for the trouble.
4. Sewer Overflow
A commercial grease trap filled to the brim will be in danger of overflowing with wastewater into the city sewerage system. A massive flood will most likely occur if the situation is uncontrolled.
5. City Fines
One of the requirements of the city government is compliance with commercial grease trap cleaning and maintenance. So, your business may be penalized with a hefty sum if you do not comply.
5 Signs It is Time to Clean Your Grease Trap
How do you know when grease traps need to be clean? Here are some signs to look for.
· Slow-moving Drainage
You might wonder why water does not go down the sink quickly. The reason might be a clogged drainage system caused by a proliferation of FOG in the pipeline.
· Long-Overdue grease trap cleaning
When was the last time your service provider cleaned the grease trap? The ideal frequency is every three to four months.
· Grease is Leaking
A rotten smell is the first sign that grease is leaking. Therefore, consult a professional cleaning service provider to help identify problem grease trap units.
· Obnoxious Smell
There is no doubt the obnoxious smell comes from the kitchen.
· Potential Fire Hazard
FOG leaking from the grease trap is a potential fire hazard in the kitchen. As a result, fire may ignite from the combustible material.
Why do grease traps need to be cleaned regularly?
Keeping up with a regular grease trap cleaning schedule avoids the hassle of clogged pipelines and sewer lines. A clogged sewerage system may cause the drains to back up. It results in unsanitary food preparation or even food poisoning in an extremely dire situation. The health of employees and customers is compromised. You would not want to mess with city officials too.
Call the Most Reliable Commercial Cleaning Services Now!
If you would like to request a commercial grease trap cleaning, our friendly and highly trained commercial cleaners are here to help you. Prestige Property Services specializes in commercial cleaning and janitorial services in Orange County and Los Angeles. Contact us at 714-224-0301 or email info@prestigepropertyservices.com.
