Do You Know the Stinky Truth About Grease Trap Maintenance?

When it comes to terrible smells, dirty restaurant grease traps definitely rank near the top. And it’s no wonder when you start to consider their purpose. These devices are designed to collect oil, fats, and other greasy substances that accumulate during cooking. And while the contraptions prevent that waste from entering your drains and clogging your sewer, the smell can be hard to tolerate. And it’s worse if the trap is not properly maintained or cleaned regularly! 

Neglected grease traps can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful substances. This can make your kitchen environment unpleasant, as well as pose health risks to your customers and employees. 

How often should I have my grease trap cleaned?

Ideally, grease traps should be cleaned every 1-3 months. However, some restaurants may need to clean their traps more frequently if their kitchens are particularly busy or if they’re using a lot of cooking oils and fats. 

When is the best time to have grease traps cleaned?

Cleaning a grease trap is not always a pleasant task. It’s messy and smelly and requires a lot of heavy lifting, as well as close contact with potentially hazardous substances like the chemicals used for disinfecting. So, many restaurants prefer to have their traps cleaned while the restaurant is closed. 

Can I clean my own grease trap?

When it comes to grease trap maintenance, it’s always best to leave the work to a professional. While the concept of the trap is self-explanatory, it’s a complicated system. The traps work by slowing down the flow of water through a tank or series of tanks that have been installed between the source of the waste and a sewer line. If you attempt to tackle the clean-up on your own, you could expose yourself to a number of dangerous health risks since grease traps can be breeding grounds for bacteria and other microorganisms. 

If you’re not sure how often your restaurant or kitchen should be cleaning its grease traps, don’t hesitate to call Raider Rooter. We’ve been helping South Florida maintain and manage its plumbing and sewer since 1978. So, let us put our expertise to work for you. And if you’re after tips and tricks for frequent plumbing problems, be sure to consult our blog for thorough and helpful information.