Cleaning your trap
Our Santa Cruz plumbers are called into numerous industrial kitchens to replace traps that have simply eroded away from the acids produced by rotting foods. The eternal components and tank can become a very costly repair and replacement bill that can be avoided just by cleaning the grease traps on a regular basis.
The more frequently the trap is cleaned the easier it will be each time your Santa Cruz grease trap technician arrives for his scheduled routine visits. And lastly, regular cleanings help keep sewer pipes clean and reduce backups due to clogged lines. In between a strict maintenance schedule, typically to clean the grease trap once a week but no less than every two weeks, here are the steps necessary to clean your trap:
Commercial Plumbing Tip of the Week
Tip #1 Turn fasteners counter-clockwise to loosen and carefully remove the lid of the grease trap without damaging the gasket. Clean, inspect, and replace gasket if necessary.
Tip #2 Observe the manner in which the internal parts are installed because you will have to reinstall them properly after you finish cleaning the trap.
Tip #3 Begin removing contents of the grease trap by dipping or vacuuming the waste products from the inside of the trap.
Tip #4 Remove all contents until grease trap is empty.
Tip #5 Do NOT use hot water, degreasers, or soaps to clean the interior of the trap.
Tip #6 Scrape all the inside walls, baffles, and screens to insure movement of water through unit.
Tip #7 Inspect and note the condition of tank, baffle, and all removable parts. Schedule repairs or replacement as needed.
Tip #8 Make sure the grease trap has been properly reassembled (all internal parts are in their proper place).
Tip #9 Examine the gasket for damage. Replace if necessary – never use tube silicone as a gasket.
Tip #10 Clean and re-install rubber gasket and reposition lid on tank. Ensure all screws and hold-downs are in place and properly tightened.
Tip #11 Ensure enough absorbent material has been placed in bag to soak up all excess liquids. Add more if needed. Securely tie the bag of waste closed so that it does not leak.
Tip #12 Place bag in the garbage (solid waste) dumpster or designated receptacle. It is ILLEGAL to dump grease trap or kitchen waste into the sanitary sewer system (toilets, cleanouts, manholes, etc.), storm drains, ponds, or outdoor areas.
PLUMBING TRADE SECRETS: Contact your local utility for sample grease control device maintenance logs to be kept on site. Always maintain documentation and report grease trap cleanings as required by your local FOG (fats, oil, and grease) ordinance.
I find myself using grease to cook quite a bit, therefore, I use my grease trap often. It’s news to me that you aren’t suppose to use hot water or soaps to clean the interior of the trap. Now I know though and I will clean it properly utilizing these tips. Thanks for sharing!
The odor alone is enough reason for me to frequently have the grease trap cleaned. I kind of wonder if that’s actually the reason why my aunt’s house has a weird smell. I’ll have to ask her about it next time I see her, especially since you mentioned how it can lead to pest infestation.