Grease traps are vital for managing the waste output of any commercial kitchen. When working effectively, grease traps separate fats, oils, and grease (FOG) as well as solid waste from wastewater as it passes through the grease trap. FOG and solid waste are then collected and stored in the grease trap tank.
This allows the wastewater to flow unobstructed from your kitchen sink, dishwasher, or floor drain into your local sewer system with minimal contamination from any food waste.
If a grease trap tank is not regularly cleaned, however, FOG and solid waste will start to pile up, minimizing the effectiveness of your grease trap. While a small amount of oil might not cause any immediately noticeable problems, FOG buildup can cause major and potentially costly issues, especially if ignored.
Some of the issues caused by excess FOG buildup include:
- Waste Discharge. If the amount of FOG in a given grease trap exceeds 25% of the tank capacity, waste will be able to flow through the trap and into local sewer systems. This could result in city sewer lines becoming obstructed or damaged, as well as local waterways being contaminated, which can incur significant fines/penalties from your city.
- Sewage and Drainage Backup. Some fats and grease will solidify as they cool, preventing the flow of wastewater. This can cause additional FOG backup and overflow into your kitchen. Backups can also potentially damage your grease trap, necessitating either a repair or replacement.
- Toxic fumes. As FOG decays, it releases a gas that—aside from having a very unpleasant odor—is highly toxic and corrosive. If not regularly cleaned, these fumes will make it back into your establishment, affecting your staff, customers, facility, and overall business.
OUR SERVICES
At West Coast Grease Traps, we understand the importance of having a clean grease trap. Since 2011, we have provided Washington’s municipalities with customized solutions for common drainage problems.
Our Services Include:
- In-depth cleaning for interior and exterior grease trap units of all shapes, sizes, and locations—even those in confined spaces!
- Full pump out and removal of all FOG and solid waste material from your grease trap tank – we do NOT just skim the top layer of your grease trap tank.
- Scraping and disposal of any FOG buildup on interior grease trap walls.
- A detailed visual inspection of the inlet and outlet flow to make sure your grease trap is in good working order.
- *If a line is not clear after cleaning, we recommend our Hydro-Jetting Service*
- Transportation and disposal of all waste material to an approved bio-recycling facility, in accordance with all state environmental regulations.
*For customers interested in self-cleaning, ask us about our barreling service!
*Emergency same-day service available. Additional costs may apply.
Yes, restaurants can clean their own grease traps. In fact, we provide barreling services for customers interested in self-cleaning.
However, employees often do not clean them properly, or to acceptable city standards. Some cities do allow for self-cleaning with quarterly professional cleaning. Check your local city FOG regulations to see what is allowed.
Yes, restaurants can clean their own grease traps. In fact, we provide barreling services for customers interested in self-cleaning.
However, employees often do not clean them properly, or to acceptable city standards. Some cities do allow for self-cleaning with quarterly professional cleaning. Check your local city FOG regulations to see what is allowed.
Yes, restaurants can clean their own grease traps. In fact, we provide barreling services for customers interested in self-cleaning.
However, employees often do not clean them properly, or to acceptable city standards. Some cities do allow for self-cleaning with quarterly professional cleaning. Check your local city FOG regulations to see what is allowed.
Yes, restaurants can clean their own grease traps. In fact, we provide barreling services for customers interested in self-cleaning.
However, employees often do not clean them properly, or to acceptable city standards. Some cities do allow for self-cleaning with quarterly professional cleaning. Check your local city FOG regulations to see what is allowed.
