Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by Lauren Beck
Restaurant grease traps are one of the most important pieces of equipment in the food industry. They play a critical role in keeping our kitchens clean and safe from harmful bacteria and other contaminants. A grease trap is a large, metal container that is installed under a sink or in the floor drain of a commercial kitchen. The grease trap collects the grease, oil and other liquids that flow down the drain and prevents them from entering the sewer system.
Over time, the grease trap will fill up with grease and other substances. If it is not cleaned out regularly, the grease trap can become a health hazard and a breeding ground for bacteria. That’s why it’s important to know how to clean a grease trap in a restaurant.
Guide for Cleaning Grease Traps in a Restaurant:
- Turn off the power to the grease trap.
- Remove the lid of the grease trap and discard the contents into a garbage can or dumpster.
- Fill the grease trap with hot water and allow it to sit for several minutes.
- Add a grease-cutting cleanser to the hot water and scrub the inside of the grease trap with a brush.
- Rinse the grease trap with hot water and replace the lid.
- Turn on the power to the grease trap and allow it to run for several minutes.
- Drain the grease trap and discard the contents into a garbage can or dumpster.
- Repeat steps 2-7 as necessary.
Cleaning a grease trap is an important part of keeping your restaurant clean and safe. By following these steps, you can ensure that your grease trap is running properly and not causing any health hazards.
How does a Grease Trap Work?
A grease trap, often referred to in discussions about its efficiency and effectiveness, functions by permitting water to pass through a designated chamber, efficiently capturing and retaining grease and oil within the system.
Subsequently, the treated water continues its journey, exiting the chamber to join the sewer system.
Meanwhile, the entrapped grease and oil naturally ascend to the surface of the chamber, where they are methodically accumulated and stored in a dedicated container – all within the context of understanding the optimal grease trap size for your specific needs.
The most common type of grease trap is the gravity grease trap. Gravity grease traps work by using gravity to separate the grease and oil from the water. The chamber is typically conical in shape and has a baffle plate or another type of screen that allows water to flow through while trapping the grease and oil.
Another type of grease trap is the interceptor grease trap. Interceptor grease traps are similar to gravity grease traps but they use a mechanical device to separate the grease and oil from the water. The most common type of interceptor grease trap is the hydrocyclone grease trap. Hydrocyclone grease traps use a centrifugal force to separate the grease and oil from the water.
Where Are Grease Traps Located?
Grease traps are typically located under a sink or in the floor drain of a commercial kitchen [1]. They can also be located in other areas of the kitchen, such as the dishwashing area.
Most grease traps are made of metal, but they can also be made of other materials, such as plastic or concrete.
Grease Trap Maintenance
Grease traps need to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent them from becoming a health hazard. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the amount of grease and oil that is being produced in the kitchen.
Some grease traps have a float device that will automatically shut off the flow of water when the grease trap is full. This prevents the grease trap from overflowing and helps to extend the time between cleanings.
Grease traps should be cleaned out when the float device is activated or when the grease level reaches 30 percent of the total volume of the grease trap.
Here are some tips for maintaining your grease trap:
- Keep a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule.
- Use a grease-cutting cleanser when cleaning the grease trap.
- Rinse the grease trap with hot water after cleaning.
- Replace the lid after cleaning.
- Turn on the power to the grease trap and allow it to run for several minutes before using it again.
- Drain the grease trap when it is full or when the float device is activated.
By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your grease trap and keep it running properly.
Grease Trap Cleaning Tools
There are a few tools that you will need when cleaning your grease trap. These include:
- A brush
- A hose
- A funnel
- A container
- A garbage can or dumpster
Using these tools, you can easily clean your grease trap and keep it in good working condition.
Conclusion
Cleaning a grease trap is an important part of keeping your restaurant clean and safe. By following these steps, you can ensure that your grease trap is running properly and not causing any health hazards.
Reference:
- https://www.portland.gov/bes/preventing-pollution/fats-oil-and-grease/grease-interceptors
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