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The Importance of a properly maintained grease trap Grease traps are used in modern wastewater management to intercept fats, oil and greases (FOGs) from commercial kitchens before they enter sewage systems. The issue with FOGs is that they accumulate and solidify, causing problems if users don’t properly manage grease traps. When FOGs enter the sewage system without being filtered, they can create blockages in the establishment’s plumbing system and the public sewer lines. These blockages lead to overflow, which contaminates local waterways and ecosystems. Sometimes, the overflow can lead to sewage backing up further down the line, causing health hazards and unsanitary conditions. Understanding proper grease trap maintenance can help you ensure your establishment’s grease traps work as intended. The Significance of Grease Traps for Your Establishment Why does having a grease trap and maintaining it properly matter? Here are some ways that using a grease trap can improve your business: Catches FOGs: The primary use of a grease trap is to catch FOGs before they enter the sewer line. Without a grease trap, FOGs enter and contaminate sewer systems, leading to numerous compliance and health issues. Prevents drainage and sewer blockages: When FOGs go straight down the drain without a grease trap, they cling to the sides of the pipes — oil stays separate from aqueous substances that disintegrate or mix with water that washes away. Eventually, the buildup will cause a blockage. Minimizes health risks: Overflows and backups can lead to unsanitary conditions, posing health risks. Using a grease trap properly can help keep everyone safe by creating a cleaner, safer kitchen environment. Lowers plumbing costs: By keeping FOGs out of your building’s plumbing system, you can reduce your plumbing costs — especially because these buildups often require emergency plumbing service. While food and beverage establishments can greatly benefit from installing grease traps, many other establishments should also install grease traps for better FOG management and compliance: Commercial properties: Any building with a kitchen — such as an employee kitchen in an office building — can likely benefit from a grease trap. Food processing facilities: Factories involved in making various types of food, including packaged meals, canned goods and other processed foods, should have grease traps. Specialized facilities for testing new food products and cooking methods will also require these traps to handle waste from their test kitchens. Schools and university cafeterias: Educational facilities with on-site food preparation areas require grease traps. Why Does Regular Grease Trap Maintenance Matter? A grease trap can only function as intended if you maintain it diligently. Without the proper care and use, your establishment can experience various grease trap problems that require immediate solutions. Here are some examples of why you should prioritize regular grease trap maintenance. Environmental Impacts