A grease trap is a kitchen plumbing fixture that catches grease, oil, fat, and other solids before they flow into the wastewater system. Having too much of these materials flowing through your system will clog your drains and cause sewage backups. A reliable plumber will provide the necessary grease trap and drain cleaning services to keep your plumbing in good condition. Here is more information about grease traps, when to clean them, and when to seek help from a plumbing professional:
How Does a Grease Trap Work?
Homes and commercial kitchens should install grease traps to prevent stoppage in the pipes. The trapping process starts when wastewater flows through the pipes and into the grease trap. Any fats, oils, and grease will float to the top, while food waste and other heavier debris will sink to the bottom. The rest of the wastewater will continue to flow through the sewage system.
How Do I Know When To Clean My Grease Trap?
A few signs indicate you may need to clean out your grease trap. You can first perform a visual inspection of the device. Certain traps come with lids that you can unscrew or windows where you look into the device. If the fat, oil, and grease are filling your trap or leaking out, this is a sign that you need to have it cleaned.
Another indicator of a full trap is when the water does not flow quickly enough through the pipes. Slow or sluggish drainage may mean that you need to check your trap to see if it is at capacity. If you notice that your grease trap or drains are emitting strong, foul-smelling odors, this is another sign that your trap may be full. If you notice any of the issues listed above, contact your local plumbing company for grease trap and drain cleaning services.
How Will a Plumber Help With My Grease Trap?
Plumbers provide necessary installation and maintenance services for grease traps, drains, and pipes. They also offer cleaning and maintenance serivces for your kitchen plumbing. Here is how they help maintain the condition of your grease trap:
Installation
A plumber will inspect your home or facility to determine the size of the grease trap that you need. They will verify that the trap meets the area's regulations for safety, and provide the necessary installation tools. Once it has been installed, they will check that the system works and that it effectively captures the fats, oils, and greases that pass through.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Set up a regular maintenance schedule with your local plumber for grease trap cleaning. They will verify that there are no leaks or cracks in the system and will confirm that the trap is not filled to capacity. They will also check for clogs and other blockages that may be slowing down your pipes and grease trap. Attempting to clean or fix the grease trap by yourself may result in damage to the pipes or system. Hire a qualified plumber to take care of any maintenance tasks.
How Often Does My Grease Trap Need To Be Cleaned?
The timeline for your grease trap cleaning depends on how much debris you flush down your pipes daily. If you own a commercial kitchen and are constantly working with fat, oil, and grease, you will need to have your trap cleaned more often than a small household kitchen. A plumber will examine your grease trap and evaluate how much grease and oil you work with daily. They will then give you an estimated cleaning timetable.
The size of your grease trap will also determine the cleaning timeline. A larger trap will not have to be cleaned as often and is more suitable for commercial applications. A small grease trap will work well in residential settings. Homeowners are less likely to flush large amounts of fat and oils down the sink daily.
Hire a Plumber for Quality Drain Cleaning Services
Your grease trap and drains need regular maintenance and care to function effectively. If you notice that your grease trap is not working properly or your drains are not emptying at their usual speed, contact a plumber immediately. Do not wait until your grease trap overflows and causes larger issues with your pipes and plumbing system. Reputable plumbing companies will provide the necessary equipment and expertise to clean your grease trap and pipes correctly. Contact a plumber today to learn more about caring for your plumbing system.
