What to Expect with a Grease Trap Cleaning

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Commercial dining establishments rely on a steady stream of customers to stay in business. As such, the restaurant needs to serve quality food that people love, keep the place clean, and free from bad smells.  A regularly scheduled grease trap cleaning will ensure your restaurant isn’t plagued by unpleasant odors coming from the grease trap. But, how do grease traps work, and why do they need to be cleaned?

regularly scheduled grease trap cleaning

Common Questions About Grease Traps

Grease traps work by separating fats, oils and grease from the water used in your building before it enters the sewage system. Typically located just outside your kitchen, the trap often looks like a manhole or septic tank cover.

What Does Grease Trap Cleaning Involve?

A proper cleaning will involve several steps that are outlined as follows:

  • The cover of the grease trap is carefully removed, and the current levels of grease residing in the trap are measured and reported on a log provided by the EPA.
  • Any water currently in the trap is removed and set aside
  • The trap is then emptied by means of digging, scraping and cleaning until all remnants of grease are removed from the sides and bottom of the trap.
  • Any screens or other components located in the trap are flushed out to remove excess grease.
  • The water from the beginning is then poured back into the trap, and all other components are replaced before closing the lid again.

When Does My Trap Need Maintenance?

If you are noticing constant unpleasant smells in your kitchen or are experiencing frequent backups, it is time for a grease trap cleaning. If this is the case, call our professional team at Marion Pumper to come clean your grease trap. Our primary goal is making sure that your grease trap is in working order at all times.