Why Choose Universal Tankers for Grease Trap Emptying Services?

With over 30 years in the wastewater and drainage systems management industry, Universal Tankers offers expertise and a thorough understanding of residential and commercial needs. As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on offering a professional and personal service. We tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each customer, from individual homeowners to large commercial establishments, to deliver a solution that is both effective and budget-friendly.

We adhere strictly to environmental laws and regulations, helping you comply with legislation to avoid potential fines. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is demonstrated by our adherence to the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, and other accolades that emphasise safety, efficiency and environmental awareness.

Universal Tankers invests in the latest technologies and maintains a fleet of advanced equipment, including tankers that can traverse even the most rural parts of the UK. When handling an automatic grease trap or servicing an external grease trap, our tools and techniques are designed to provide the most efficient service possible, minimising disruption and maximising effectiveness.

Our operators are extensively trained and prepared for every job. They are ready to be thorough and fully comply with health and safety standards. Each service includes full traceability with a waste transfer note to verify that your waste is disposed of responsibly and according to regulations.

Why Are Grease Traps Necessary?

An estimated 500,000 tonnes of waste cooking oils, grease and fat enter the UK’s sewer network every year. Grease adheres to pipework and contributes to blockages, while fats and oils can interfere with the operation of wastewater treatment equipment, leading to costly repairs. When discharged into a watercourse, FOG can cause environmental harm and may breach environmental regulations.

To reduce the impact of FOG on drainage infrastructure and the environment, foodservice businesses are required by law to manage their waste correctly. Under the Water Industry Act 1991 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990, failure to contain and dispose of FOG appropriately can result in prosecution, fines or business closure. Routine grease trap cleaning also supports compliance with food hygiene regulations, including the Food Safety Act, by helping maintain clean and sanitary kitchen conditions.

Grease traps – including gravity grease traps – help to prevent FOG from entering the sewer system. Both commercial and residential properties can benefit from installing and maintaining them.

Universal Tankers provides scheduled and responsive grease trap services for commercial premises across England and Scotland. Speak to our team to arrange a compliant, reliable FOG management plan tailored to your operations and grease management system.

Our Grease Trap Services for Commercial Needs

Effective wastewater management is a must for commercial enterprises, especially in industries such as hospitality, where food waste can mix with wastewater and lead to drain blockages. If your establishment prepares hot food, it is likely your operations produce FOG waste that may end up in your water. To avoid this, your premises must have a grease trap installed, and you will need to arrange for it to be cleaned.

Commercial premises also deal with higher volumes of wastewater that can lead to significant system strains. Grease trap blockages can cause disruptions, potentially halting operations and attracting hefty fines due to non-compliance with health and safety regulations.

Universal Tankers provides comprehensive wastewater management services tailored to the needs of commercial clients. Our offerings include regular grease trap emptying, customised maintenance plans, and swift emergency response to keep your operations running without interruption. We cater to all sizes of commercial facilities, providing scalable solutions that keep your wastewater management systems efficient and compliant with all regulatory standards.

We apply sustainable working practices and operate in full compliance with UK regulations, supporting the protection of the environment while keeping your grease traps clean.

FAQs About Grease Waste Disposal

What is a grease trap?

A grease trap is a plumbing device designed to intercept greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system. Commonly used in commercial kitchens and restaurants, grease traps prevent FOG from clogging and damaging the sewage system. By capturing these substances, grease traps maintain the functionality of the wastewater system and prevent environmental pollution.

How does a grease trap work?

A grease trap operates by separating fats, oils and grease from wastewater before it enters the sewer system. It relies on the principle that FOG is less dense than water and will naturally rise when allowed to settle. The process typically follows four stages:

Inflow: wastewater from kitchen sinks and dishwashers flows into the grease trap carrying FOG and solid waste.
Cooling and separation: as the wastewater cools, grease and oil begin to solidify and rise to the surface, forming a scum layer. Heavier solids settle at the bottom, creating a sludge layer.
Retention: the trap holds the wastewater long enough for this separation to take place. Efficiency depends on the size of the unit and the flow rate of the incoming water.
Outflow: the middle layer of cleaner water exits the trap and flows into the main sewer, while the trapped FOG and solids remain for scheduled removal.

Routine cleaning is required to keep the trap functioning correctly, reduce odours, and avoid plumbing issues. Universal Tankers provides a compliant, professional grease trap cleaning service for commercial kitchens across England and Scotland.

How do you clean a grease trap?

Commercial grease traps typically require specialist equipment to be cleaned. The grease trap cleaning procedure must be carried out in line with UK legislation governing the disposal of FOG. Even if a third party completes the work, the legal responsibility remains with the business. Improper handling or disposal of FOG can result in prosecution and substantial fines. It is therefore essential to appoint a provider with specialist knowledge of FOG regulations and compliance standards. Universal Tankers offers a professional, fully compliant grease trap cleaning and disposal service backed by decades of wastewater management experience.

What are the signs your grease trap needs to be cleaned?

A grease trap that is not cleaned often enough can cause a range of problems, both operational and environmental. The following are common signs that your system requires servicing:

Unpleasant odours: persistent smells coming from sinks or drains are often caused by trapped grease decomposing within the system. This can impact working conditions and indicate that the trap is full.
Slow-draining sinks or blocked drains: fats, oils and grease that have not been properly contained can obstruct water flow, resulting in slow drainage or repeated blockages.
Overflow: a full grease trap can overflow, leading to contamination of kitchen areas and increased risk of damage to plumbing infrastructure.
Fruit flies: these pests are often drawn to grease and food residue, and their presence can suggest that the trap or surrounding pipework is due for cleaning.
Grease build-up in unintended areas: grease marks or residues around sinks or surfaces may indicate that the trap is no longer effectively capturing FOG waste.
Extended period since the last clean: if more than three months have passed since the last professional clean, it is likely that the trap needs attention. For busy kitchens, more frequent servicing may be required.

Universal Tankers provides reliable commercial grease trap cleaning services backed by over 30 years’ experience in wastewater management. We help businesses remain compliant and operational across all types of commercial settings.

How often should you get your grease traps cleaned?

Most grease traps require professional cleaning every 90 days. However, the optimal frequency depends on factors such as the size of the trap, the volume of food prepared, and the amount of FOG produced. High-usage kitchens may need more frequent grease trap maintenance to remain compliant and avoid disruption. Universal Tankers can assess your requirements and set up a schedule that supports your operation and meets all regulatory obligations.