Grease traps are very important pieces of equipment used to maintain cleanliness and control commercial kitchen wastewater including its grease, fat and oils, from commercial properties (e.g., restaurants). They need to be installed during the actual construction of new structures or renovations of existing structures.
Grease traps help:
- Prevent plumbing repair costs.
- Improve sanitary conditions of commercial kitchens.
- Meet local regulations.
- Promote responsible commercial waste disposal programs.
Let’s find out more reasons why grease traps are critical for restaurant success!
What Does a Grease Trap Do?
A grease trap keeps fats, oils and grease (FOG) from entering the City’s wastewater. If FOG enters the sewage system, it forms major clogs in urban sewer systems, harming the sewer system and creating problems with the restaurant’s plumbing.
Thus, by adding a grease trap to the restaurant, the restaurant owner will reduce the likelihood of creating blockages and maintaining efficient kitchen operations.
Protection of Plumbing
Grease traps provide protection for the plumbing of a restaurant by capturing FOG prior to their entrance into the restaurant’s plumbing system.
Without grease traps, grease will solidify, which results in serious plumbing problems that require costly repairs or lead to temporary closure of the business due to lack of service (downtime).
Reduction in Fines/Penalties
Many municipalities and counties require grease traps to be added to new or renovated commercial premises. Any business that does not comply with local regulations regarding installation of grease traps will incur significant penalties.
Therefore, if a restaurant installs a grease trap, this demonstrates to local authorities that the restaurant has made a commitment to support local regulations and reduce its environmental footprint.
Sanitation of the Kitchen
A clean kitchen is important to the safety of food served in a restaurant and keeping customers happy. Grease traps allow for better sanitation in commercial kitchens, thereby reducing the chances of foul odors and pest problems associated with grease buildup in sinks and drains.
Efficient Waste Management
Efficient waste management is a critical component of operating a restaurant. Grease traps separate FOG from wastewater prior to leaving the restaurant’s facility, which eliminates most (if not all) of the grease that would otherwise have been put in the sewer system.
A large number of waste management companies will also recycle the grease processed in their grease traps for use as alternative fuel.
Extended Equipment Use
The replacement of equipment in the kitchen is an expensive proposition. Additionally, grease traps extend the service life of kitchen appliances by preventing grease damage to the appliances.
For instance, grease will accumulate in the dishwasher and oven, creating periodic maintenance/service issues, which reduce the efficiency of the appliances. The installation of a grease trap will greatly reduce the risk of grease causing problems with the restaurants’ appliances.
Reduction of Clogs/Blockages
Blockages or clogs within the drain of a restaurant create problems that can stop the restaurant from running as smoothly as possible.
Grease traps will greatly reduce clogs and blockages in the plumbing system of the restaurant, permitting the kitchen to run successfully and efficiently.
Environmentally Friendly
The installation of grease traps contributes to an establishment’s sustainability initiatives. Grease traps do so by keeping FOG out of the sewer system. Reducing the introduction of FOG prevents the pollution of water through sewer systems. Grease traps may also be used by reforming the grease into biofuels, which are renewable source of energy.
Grease traps keep FOG (fats, oils and grease) out of the sewer system. If FOG is allowed to pollute the sewer system, it will eventually pollute the source of the water and/or harm the health of creatures within the water.
By preventing FOG from entering the sewer, the installation of grease traps assists in maintaining clean water quality and enhancing the health of the ecosystem.
Enhanced Customer Experience
Having a clean kitchen will enhance the experience all patrons will have in the restaurant. The installation of a grease trap promotes a clean and efficient kitchen, thereby reducing occurrences of foul odors and plumbing problems. These measures allow customers to enjoy their dining experience in a safe and sanitary environment.
Enhancing Maintenance
The installation of grease traps will eliminate, or significantly reduce, the accumulation of grease in the kitchen plumbing system. This will eliminate the expense of regular cleaning of grease-laden drains and significantly reduce the risk of unforeseen plumbing problems.
Routine cleaning of grease traps will ensure the grease traps are functioning properly and allow for optimal operation of the restaurant’s plumbing system.
Cost Effective Investment
The installation of grease traps represents a cost-effective investment for all restaurants. While a small initial cost for installation, the benefits gained from grease traps far outweigh the initial cost associated with installing them.
Grease traps will also save you from substantial plumbing repair expenses, reduce your restaurant’s downtime, and help you avoid expensive fines/penalties. Grease traps will not only help improve the ecommerce efficiency of your kitchen, but also will create a cleaner, greener environment.
Do You Need to Install a Grease Trap? — Let Brazas Fire Help You with Your Installation!
Installing a grease trap is one of the smartest and most necessary decisions that you can make as a responsible restaurant owner.
Besides providing protection for your plumbing system, grease traps also contribute to maintaining a sanitary kitchen and demonstrating your commitment to the environment; this will ultimately benefit your restaurant in the long run! Don’t wait until significant plumbing problems occur to consider the installation of a grease trap!