The grease trap plays a crucial role in any commercial kitchen setting. Experiencing a faulty grease trap can lead to significant problems and distress within the business. Routine maintenance will keep your trap functioning properly, but it’s also important to understand the ways to spot a malfunctioning grease trap.
It Smells
A foul stench is a quick and simple way to spot a problem with your grease trap. The longer you allow food waste and debris to sit in the grease trap, the more it decomposes and begins to release an odor. You may have to deal with the smell back in the restaurant or kitchen if the grease trap’s opening becomes clogged or blocked.
Overflowing
Your overflow could happen through the utility hole cover or your kitchen, but either way, it’s a sign that your grease trap is malfunctioning. This sign can cause major headaches, especially if it happens during business hours. Pump your grease trap every few months to ensure you never have to deal with this disaster.
Various Clogs
Clogs can happen at various places in the drainage system and grease trap. You could have a clog in the inlet or outlet pipe or the crossover line. If you find an overflow in the separator compartment, you likely have a clog in your crossover line. A flood in your kitchen most likely means your clog is in the inlet pipe.
The location of the clog matters because it will help you decide whether to call a plumber or contact your grease trap service provider.
Slow To Drain
Is your sink or other drainage area draining slower than usual? This problem indicates that you have an issue with your grease trap. The food debris and waste that snuck down the sink have formed a clog, and now the water is having trouble escaping.
Following a maintenance checklist for your grease trap will help prevent these issues from happening. Enforcing rules such as not dumping food or oil down the drain will also help keep your grease trap in good working condition.
