How to Clean a Grease Trap
Grease traps are used in commercial kitchens and restaurants, and some homes to prevent fats, oils and grease (FOG) from entering the sewer system. Without regular maintenance, grease traps can become clogged, leading to expensive repairs, repercussions for the environment and subsequent legal consequences for businesses.
Regular grease trap cleaning is necessary to comply with UK regulations, including the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Food Safety Act 1990, which mandate proper waste management and safe disposal of fats, oils and grease. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for grease trap cleaning, while highlighting that professional services such as those from Universal Tankers can help with adhering to these regulations.
What is a grease trap?
A grease trap, sometimes called a grease interceptor, is a device designed to capture FOG before it enters the wastewater system. These substances can solidify in pipes, causing severe blockages that lead to slow drainage, system failure and costly repairs. Grease traps prevent this by trapping FOG in a tank, allowing cleaner water to pass through into the sewer system.
Grease traps are widely used by businesses that produce a significant amount of FOG. In some cases, they may also be installed in residential properties, particularly if the household uses a large volume of fats and oils in cooking.
Capturing and disposing of FOG properly helps businesses avoid penalties and contributes to better environmental protection.
How grease traps work
When wastewater enters the grease trap, it slows down, allowing the grease and oil to rise to the surface due to their lower density. The heavier solid particles settle at the bottom, while the remaining cleaner water flows out of the trap and into the drainage system. As the grease accumulates, it is stored in the tank.
Over time, the grease trap fills with FOG, which needs to be removed to maintain proper function. Without regular cleaning, grease will begin to overflow into the pipes, leading to blockages and potential health hazards.
Grease traps come in various sizes, depending on the volume of wastewater and FOG that needs to be handled. For example, smaller traps may be suitable for cafes, while larger restaurants may require high-capacity grease traps to cope with greater quantities of grease and oils.
In the UK, grease traps are highly recommended for businesses in the food service industry to comply with FOG management regulations. Failing to install and properly maintain grease traps can lead to fines and even closure of the business.
Why cleaning a grease trap is essential
Over time, as FOG accumulates, the trap becomes less effective, potentially leading to costly repairs, fines and disruptions to the running of a business. Allowing grease to escape into the sewer system can also result in slow drainage, unpleasant odours, and, in severe cases, total blockages. Such issues can halt operations, especially in commercial settings, resulting in downtime and lost revenue.
Unmanaged FOG waste can enter the sewer system and cause the contamination of natural watercourses. By maintaining your grease trap, you can contribute to environmental sustainability.
How to clean a grease trap
Below is a simple step-by-step guide to help you through the process of cleaning a grease trap. However, for larger commercial grease traps, it is recommended to use a professional cleaning and emptying service like Universal Tankers’.
- Prepare: you will need rubber gloves, a scraper, a container for the waste, a shop vacuum (optional) and a cleaning agent such as warm water and detergent.
- Turn off equipment before cleaning: make sure that any connected appliances, such as dishwashers or sinks, are switched off to prevent water from entering the grease trap during the process.
- Remove the lid: be cautious of any odours and avoid splashing as you lift the lid off, as the trap will likely contain a mix of grease, oil and water that has accumulated over time and may be harmful.
- Inspect and remove grease: using a scraper or scoop, remove the layer of grease floating on the surface and transfer it to a container. If your grease trap is large, you may want to use a shop vacuum for quicker removal. Be thorough in removing all visible FOG from the trap.
- Clean the trap interior: once the grease has been removed, use warm water and a suitable detergent to scrub the interior of the grease trap. This will help eliminate any lingering residue and keep the trap free of blockages.
- Check the flow of water: after cleaning, check that water can flow freely through the system. This helps to make sure that the grease trap is functioning properly before replacing the lid.
- Schedule regular cleaning: for the best results, establish a regular cleaning schedule based on how frequently your business produces FOG. Larger establishments may need to clean their grease traps more frequently, while smaller setups might require less frequent attention.
Professional grease trap cleaning vs. DIY
Cleaning a grease trap on your own can be time-consuming and messy. Without the proper equipment and knowledge, it is easy to miss sections of the trap or fail to remove all FOG, leading to a higher risk of blockages. Additionally, incorrect disposal of grease can result in fines, as there are strict laws in the UK regarding the handling of FOG waste.
Hiring a professional service such as Universal Tankers ensures the job is done thoroughly and correctly. Our experienced team uses specialised equipment to clean your grease trap more efficiently than DIY methods allow. We also handle all FOG disposal, providing full traceability and compliance with environmental regulations, so you can have peace of mind.
Waste disposal
One of the most important aspects of grease trap cleaning is ensuring that FOG waste is disposed of safely and in accordance with UK law. Universal Tankers provides waste transfer notes to confirm that all waste has been properly handled, protecting your business from any legal issues. Our extensive network of depots across England and Scotland provides prompt and reliable service wherever you are located.
Universal Tankers’ grease trap emptying service
When it comes to maintaining your grease trap, the best solution is to leave it in the hands of professionals. Universal Tankers offers a comprehensive grease trap emptying service designed to keep your system operating efficiently.
Our service covers all aspects of grease trap maintenance and waste disposal. With 20 depots located across England and Scotland, we can reach businesses in both urban and rural locations.. Our team is experienced in handling grease traps of all sizes, so no job is too large or too complex.
We understand that every business is different, and the frequency of grease trap cleaning will depend on the volume of FOG your establishment produces. We offer customised maintenance plans tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require regular scheduled cleaning or on-demand service, Universal Tankers will create a plan that keeps your operations running smoothly.
Universal Tankers provides full traceability of all waste, giving you the necessary documentation to prove that FOG has been disposed of responsibly and legally. Our meticulous attention to detail helps safeguard your business from fines and penalties.
With over 30 years of experience and a network of 20 depots across England and Scotland, Universal Tankers offers expert grease trap cleaning services. Our professional team is always available to ensure your system is in perfect working order, keeping your business efficient and compliant.
Contact Us
If you require a quote or have a general enquiry about our services, please complete the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, call one of our experienced staff on 0800 180 4474 in England and Wales or 01236 444322 in Scotland.
