Grease buildup is one of the most common—and costly—problems commercial kitchens face. According to the EPA, improperly maintained grease traps are a leading cause of sewer overflows in restaurants, often resulting in hefty fines and extensive cleanup costs. Grease pit cleaning isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about protecting your business, maintaining a safe environment, and ensuring smooth operations in your kitchen. As a restaurant owner, you juggle countless responsibilities daily. The last thing you need is a grease trap emergency disrupting your service.
In this blog post, we will explore what every restaurant owner should know about grease pit cleaning.
What is Grease Pit Cleaning?
Cleaning your grease pit is crucial for keeping your kitchen running smoothly and hygienic. Over time, fats, oils, and grease (known as FOG) build up in grease traps or interceptors designed to keep grease out of your plumbing system. This buildup can cause clogs, backups, unpleasant smells, or even environmental harm without proper maintenance. If left unchecked, grease traps can overflow, causing health hazards and potentially forcing operations to shut down. Regular cleaning ensures your kitchen stays safe, functional, and compliant with health codes.
What to Do if the Grease Trap Overflows
Grease trap overflows are messy and stressful, and they can bring your operations to a screeching halt. The good news is that knowing what to do can minimize the damage and help you recover quickly. Here’s what you should do if your grease trap overflows:
Stop Additional Water from Entering the Drains
Turn off any appliances, sinks, or dishwashers connected to the grease trap. This prevents more water from flowing into the system and worsening the backup.
Stay Calm and Call a Professional
Contact a licensed plumber immediately to inspect your grease trap and drainage system. They have the tools and expertise to safely resolve the issue without causing further damage.
Don’t Hose Down the Mess
Grabbing a hose and washing the grease away may be tempting, but this can lead to more significant problems. Spraying grease into storm drains or sewer systems violates environmental regulations and could lead to hefty fines.
Use Cat Litter to Absorb Grease
Believe it or not, cat litter works wonders in soaking up spilled grease. Spread it over the affected area to make cleanup easier and prevent the grease from spreading further.
Let the Professionals Handle the Cleanup
A professional plumber will use advanced equipment, such as cameras and hydro-jetting systems, to inspect and clean your plumbing. They’ll ensure your system is fully operational and guide you on avoiding future overflows.
How Can You Prevent Grease Trap Overflows?
Preventing grease trap problems starts with good maintenance and proactive steps. Regular care keeps your grease trap working correctly and ensures your kitchen stays up and running without interruptions. Here are some practical ways to avoid grease trap overflows:
Schedule Regular Cleanings and Inspections
Routine grease pit cleanings are the most effective way to prevent backups. Work with a trusted professional to set a schedule based on your kitchen’s grease output. Depending on their size and the grease your kitchen produces, most grease traps need servicing every 1-3 months.
Connect All Food Prep Sinks to a Grease Trap
Every sink used in food preparation should be connected to a grease trap. This setup ensures grease and waste are captured before they can clog the plumbing system.
Train Your Team on Proper Waste Disposal
Your staff plays a huge role in preventing grease buildup. Teach them to scrape leftover food from pots and pans into the trash, not the sink. Even small bits of food can accumulate and lead to clogs over time.
Make Sure Your Grease Trap is the Right Size
A grease trap that’s too small won’t keep up with your kitchen’s needs, especially during busy times. Check with a professional to confirm your trap is the right size for your restaurant’s operation.
Never Pour Grease Down the Drain
This one seems obvious, but it’s worth repeating: grease should never go down the drain. Even small amounts can stick to your pipes, build up over time, and cause significant blockages. By following these steps, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of grease trap overflows and keep your kitchen running smoothly daily.
Grease Clogging your Drain? Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona
A clean drain keeps your kitchen running smoothly and avoids costly repairs or fines. At Custom Plumbing of Arizona, we specialize in drain cleaning and maintenance to help restaurants like yours stay compliant and operational. With 24/7 emergency service, we’re here to assist whenever you need help. Whether it’s routine cleaning or a sudden overflow, our team has the expertise to handle it.
Call us today at 602-866-2665 to schedule your drain cleaning. Protect your restaurant, customers, and peace of mind with reliable service from trustworthy professionals. Keeping your grease trap clean isn’t just about compliance but protecting your business, staff, and customers. With the proper maintenance routine and expert help, you can avoid grease-related disasters and keep your kitchen running like a well-oiled machine.