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Grease Trap Cleaning – Q & A

Nov 12, 2024 | Grease Traps, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Grease Trap Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions

Grease trap cleaning and grease trap maintenance are essential services for any restaurant or food facility. Proper upkeep of grease traps not only prevents unpleasant odours and clogs but also ensures compliance with health and environmental regulations.

In this post, we’re answering common questions about grease trap cleaning and maintenance, from how often they should be cleaned to the benefits of professional servicing.

Whether you’re new to grease traps or just need a refresher, read on to keep your kitchen running smoothly and your business compliant.

Click on the + sign next to each question to expand the section and show the answer.

What is a grease trap, and why is it important?
A grease trap is a device installed in commercial kitchens to capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they enter the wastewater system. This prevents blockages and damage to the plumbing and local sewer systems.

Regular cleaning ensures the grease trap functions properly and complies with local regulations.

How often should grease traps be cleaned??
The frequency of cleaning depends on the size of the grease trap and the volume of grease produced by your kitchen.

Most establishments are required to clean their grease traps every 1 to 3 months.

Regular maintenance helps avoid overflow and costly repairs.

Why is regular grease trap cleaning a legal requirement?
Local councils and health authorities require regular grease trap cleaning to prevent blockages in the sewer system, which can cause environmental damage and health risks.

Failing to maintain a clean grease trap can lead to fines and potential closures for non-compliance.  Some grease traps are regulated by the Water Corporation particularly if the outlets are linked to their waste systems, so they would inspect and set service frequencies for these and fines do apply if these aren’t adhered to. 

Waroona Septics can create a set schedule for your service frequencies if you require.

What happens if I neglect my grease trap?
If grease traps are not emptied regularly, fats, oils, and grease can build up and cause blockages in your pipes and the local sewer system. This can result in unpleasant odours, slow drainage, and even sewage backups, leading to expensive emergency repairs and potential fines.
What’s involved in the grease trap cleaning process?
Our team at Waroona Septics will pump out all the trapped grease, fats, oils, and solids.

We’ll clean the trap thoroughly to ensure it’s functioning efficiently and dispose of the waste at a registered and authorised disposal site.

We also handle the necessary paperwork to comply with local regulations.

Can Waroona Septics schedule regular grease trap cleaning for my business?
Yes, we can set up a regular cleaning schedule based on your needs and compliance requirements. This ensures your grease trap remains in good working order, and you avoid any penalties for non-compliance.
How can I tell if my grease trap needs cleaning?
Signs that your grease trap may need cleaning include:

Slow drainage in sinks and floor drains.

Strong, unpleasant odours in the kitchen area.

Grease backup in your sink or near the trap.

If you notice any of these issues, contact Waroona Septics to schedule a service.

How do grease traps benefit my business in the long run?
Properly maintained grease traps help avoid costly plumbing repairs, prevent business disruptions due to backups, and ensure compliance with local regulations.

By protecting your drainage system, you minimise downtime and ensure a cleaner, more efficient kitchen environment.

Can I clean my grease trap myself?
While some small grease traps can be manually emptied, it’s best to have a professional handle the cleaning to ensure thorough removal of grease and proper disposal.

Regular professional cleaning also ensures compliance with local health and environmental regulations.

What paperwork is needed after a grease trap cleaning?
After the cleaning, Waroona Septics provides all necessary documentation, including waste disposal records, to prove compliance with local environmental and health regulations.

This paperwork is essential in case of an inspection by regulatory bodies.

How do I prevent excessive grease buildup between cleanings?
To minimise grease buildup, regularly scrape food scraps and fats from plates and utensils before washing, use strainers in sinks, and educate staff on best practices for keeping grease out of the drain.

Implementing these steps can help reduce the load on your grease trap.

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