Effective Grease Trap Cleaning Methods

Grease traps are essential components of commercial kitchen drain systems. They are special plumbing devices designed to intercept grease waste and solids before entering sewer lines. Over time, layers of thick grease, food scraps, fats, and oils can accumulate inside if not properly maintained.
Clogged grease traps can lead to foul odors, plumbing blockages, sewage backups, and even health hazards if left unaddressed.
Implementing effective grease trap cleaning methods is vital for operational efficiency and compliance.

What Are Grease Traps?

Grease traps work by slowing down kitchen drainage water long enough for greases to separate and cool. This allows the lighter grease to float to the top while heavier solids sink to the bottom, preventing them from traveling down sewers where they can stick to pipe walls and restrict flow.

There are a few common types of grease traps used in commercial facilities:

Passive Grease Traps: These simple, single-compartment traps are the most affordable option but require the most frequent grease trap clean out. They rely on gravity and retention time for separation.

Mechanical Grease Interceptors: These have flow control fittings and multi-compartment designs that enhance separation efficiency with less maintenance needed.

Automatic Grease Removal: Pricier automated systems continually remove grease onsite with skimmers or oil lifting pumps into separate containment.

When selecting a device, the appropriate size and flow rate capacity must be calculated based on the number of connected fixtures, meals served, and hours of operation.