Grease Traps and Restaurants  | Overview

If you are a restaurant business, you should be familiar with grease traps. This is an important element for any food service business and can cost upwards of $10,000- $15.000 for a new grease trap. So why have a trap? This mechanism intercepts and separates grease and solids.  This solution allows grease free water to flow to the sewage lines.  It also can help prevent clogs and pipe back-ups due to hardened grease.  Water plant are not set up to handle grease in water. The system is connected to kitchen drainage and has nothing to do with restrooms.

Utilization

Commercial properties and of retail locations with have kitchens would utilize this solution.  You would also require an interceptor if you are a hospital or any type of property that has an in-house kitchen operation.Traps and interceptors are required to be emptied by a licensed sanitation company.

Interceptor vs Grease Trap?

Even the most common term is “grease trap” an interceptor is different in size and usage.  The trap is smaller , it uses approximately a 20-50 gallon tank installed under a sink. The interceptor is much larger and it handles 250-5,000 gallons. The interceptor is a concrete tank installed underground.   A clean out pipe is installed to clear out clogs with interceptors.  A Technician can clear out clogs with a tool such as a stick to remove clogs. The interceptor will have a manhole cover outside where the interceptor is located. For more information on traps and interceptors, you can visit the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Grease Traps.