How Do I Know If My Grease Trap Needs Cleaning?
How Do I Know If My Grease Trap Needs Cleaning?
A dirty grease trap can contaminate water, food and utensils. It also releases toxic fumes that can make employees and customers ill. A properly-maintained grease trap can help keep your business running smoothly and safely.
Slow Draining
A slow draining grease trap is a clear indicator that it needs to be cleaned. Grease and oil that is left in the trap can clog up your sanitary sewer system or city sewer and result in serious fines. A clogged drain can be a tricky situation to tackle without professional help, so it is best to call for a plumber before you try and fix it yourself. Pouring drain cleaner or other harsh chemicals into the trap is a bad idea as well, as it can damage your pipes.
Foul Odors
Foul odors coming from your grease trap are one of the biggest signs that you need to clean it out. The food waste, oils and fats in your grease trap degrade over time and eventually emit a foul odor. This odor is caused by bacteria that break down the materials and release pungent nitrates and rotten egg-smelling sulphates into the air. These smells are usually quite unpleasant and can instantly turn off your customers. They also indicate that your clogged trap is spilling out into the environment and causing health issues for those outside your establishment. Having foul odors in your restaurant is not only unappealing for the staff and your guests, but it can also lead to lost business and revenue.
Blocked Pipes
A blocked pipe is one of the first signs that your grease trap needs to be cleaned. It might also indicate a bigger problem that could require a plumber to fix. When a sewer pipe becomes clogged, it can quickly spread throughout your plumbing system. This can cause problems for your toilets, sinks, and showers. If you notice a gurgling sound when running your taps, this is also a sign that something is wrong with the pipe. It might mean that the drain is plugged with debris or even the pipe itself is broken. So, the next time you notice a gurgling noise in your pipes, you’ll know it’s time to call a plumber for assistance. They can help you determine what is causing the issue and how to repair it.
Categorised in: Grease Trap Cleaning, Grease Trap Maintenance, Grease Trap Pumping