Do you know the un-applauded hero of your restaurant kitchen? It’s undoubtedly the grease trap. It may stay out of sight but it’s the winner when it comes to preventing those nasty kitchen smells. This plumbing device plays a key role in preventing wastewater from entering the sewage system. It also keeps the plumbing system sound. Regular cleaning is necessary to keep a check on its functioning. However, the restaurant owners often go out of track with the schedules. Most of the owners sneak into the system only when the wastewater flows back or the kitchen stinks badly. Do you own an eatery with a grease collector installed? Is an overflowing kitchen giving you a hard time? Well, maybe it’s time you think about replacing the device. Most often, malfunctioning of the plumbing devices occurs due to negligence. But you need to recognize the warning signs first and hire a grease trap service near me for cleaning. Here are a few signs you need to watch.
Seven Signs You Need to Replace the Restaurant Grease Trap:
1. Check for holes
Your grease trap may appear to be a solid, unchanging fixture in your kitchen. However, negligence might result in a quiet threat: holes. Food particles caught inside the trap degrade and emit hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas can eventually become sulfuric acid, which eats away at the trap’s metal exterior. A minor hole might easily become a major issue. It allows grease and FOG to get through the trap and into your plumbing system, producing clogs and backups. Inspect your grease trap regularly for holes, and if any are found, consider replacing it right away.
2. Clogged pipes and lack of cleaning
Slow draining in your kitchen sinks can be extremely inconvenient. However, it could also be the first indication of a blocked or failed grease trap. Grease, oil, and food particles build up inside the trap over time. If not cleaned periodically, this deposit can solidify and clog the trap’s interior baffles and pipes. This not only reduces the trap’s ability to capture FOG but can also cause backups in your entire drainage system. Your grease trap must be cleaned on a regular basis. The frequency of cleaning is determined on the sort of food you offer. Restaurants with a substantial fried or oily menu may require more frequent cleanings to avoid clogs and the need for an early replacement.
3. Plastic or metal trap
The material used in your grease trap can affect its lifespan and maintenance requirements. Traditional grease traps are made of metal, which provides a solid structure. However, metal is subject to rust and corrosion, particularly when exposed to the trap’s continual wetness and acidic breakdown products. A metal trap should last about 7 years with regular maintenance.
However, some new grease traps are composed of plastic. These traps are resistant to corrosion, making them a possibly longer-lasting solution. They may survive longer than their metal counterparts, resulting in long-term savings on replacement costs. However, consult an expert to confirm that a plastic trap is appropriate for your unique needs and meets local rules.
4. Bad odor
The material used in your grease trap can affect its lifespan and maintenance requirements. Traditional grease traps are made of metal, which provides a solid structure. However, metal is subject to rust and corrosion, particularly when exposed to the trap’s continual wetness and acidic breakdown products. A metal trap should last about 7 years with regular maintenance.
However, some new grease traps are composed of plastic. These traps are resistant to corrosion, making them a possibly longer-lasting solution. They may survive longer than their metal counterparts, resulting in long-term savings on replacement costs. However, consult an expert to confirm that a plastic trap is appropriate for your unique needs and meets local rules.
5. Pumping the device
The regularity with which you need to pump your grease trap can be an indicator of its condition. If you need to pump the trap more frequently than normal, it could be a sign that it is struggling to keep up with the FOG load.
6. Lack of maintenance
To perform properly, your grease trap, like any other piece of equipment, must be maintained on a regular basis. Neglecting your grease trap can result in a buildup of solid waste and FOG, which reduces its ability to absorb grease properly. Over time, carelessness can lead to problems that are not easily repaired with a simple cleaning. Scheduling regular inspections by a skilled specialist is critical for detecting potential problems early. They may evaluate the state of your trap, recommend cleaning or replacement as needed, and ensure that your grease trap runs well for years.
7. Using excessive oil in the food items
Do you sell deep-fried food items in your restaurant but are not on top when it comes to maintaining the fat collector? You must clean the device once in three months. But if you have missed several cleaning schedules and the grease collector is already showing signs of malfunctioning, it may be time you check the level of deterioration. If the device’s condition is beyond cleaning, it’s time you think about replacing it.
Installation of the grease trap:
Once you are through with the signs that indicate the replacement of the grease collector, it’s time to sneak into the job’s installation. The chances are that a faulty installation method or unprofessional techniques may interfere with its functioning. Typically, the interceptor needs to be aligned with the plumbing system. But if you fail to watch for the flaws during installation, it’s hard to prevent a deterioration of the device. The improper installation also indicates that fats, solid food particles, and oils may enter the sewage system. Even if there is no major sign of malfunctioning, you need to check the condition of the device if it has not been installed by a reputed company.
Several factors may require the replacement of the grease-trapping device in your commercial kitchen. It’s time you give serious thought to restaurant grease trap cleaning to avoid replacing it more often.
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