The most difficult thing in any commercial kitchen is keeping the FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) at bay. Many restaurant owners across the world have grease traps installed in their kitchens to address this issue because of the technology employed in these grease removal units. It captures FOG from wastewater from kitchen drains, dishwashers, and sinks, allowing it to flow freely into the sewer system. However, grease traps, like many other kitchen appliances, require regular maintenance in order to continue to execute their function consistently and efficiently. So, here are some plausible explanations for why you should maintain and properly clean your grease trap.
Remove Offensive Odor
A grease trap accumulates FOG in its tank, which decomposes over time and emits a rotten odor. If this is not addressed, the smell may become unbearable, even if the interceptor is underground. This could reduce the number of consumers that visit the restaurant, eventually jeopardizing the company’s reputation.
Avoid Expensive Tank Replacement
Chemical components are present in solid food waste and FOG caught in the grease trap. If the tank is not cleaned, the contained waste degrades, producing hydrogen sulfur gas, which converts to sulphuric acid. The very corrosive sulphuric acid can corrode the steel and the walls of the interceptor, necessitating an expensive replacement.
Assist in Cleaning
When a grease trap collects FOG, the solid food particles settle at the tank’s bottom. If this solid waste is not eliminated on a regular basis, it hardens into a thick, hard mass that forms an immovable barrier that appears to be impossible to clean.
Prevent Drainage System Blockage
A grease interceptor keeps running by continuously collecting grease from above and solid food waste from below in the tank. If the tank is not cleaned on a regular basis, waste will accumulate in the tank, causing extra food waste and FOG to go down the sewer system from the kitchen sink or dishwasher. This will eventually develop serious obstructions in the pipeline, preventing wastewater flow. The end outcome would be backups and overflow, which would cause costly damage.
Avoid Penalties
Almost every municipality in the world has specific fines for improper FOG treatment in commercial kitchens. Some include fines for failing to install a grease trap and others for failing to properly maintain the equipment. Because the municipality will notice the high concentration of FOG in the sewers in both circumstances. As a result, you may face substantial fines, suspension of operations, or even cancellation of your operating license until the underlying issue is resolved.
Protect Your Business
You would have realized from the facts described above that failing to install or maintain a grease trap in your restaurant will result in a significant loss of sales. It may become tough for you to establish consumer confidence and outperform your competitors in the long run, especially if your restaurant is located in a competitive environment.
In Conclusion
Rather than emptying your grease traps yourself, allow your grease trap cleaning and care needs to be handled by experts. Simply give us a call right now if you have any questions regarding the ways in which Gray Plumbing may assist your company in maintaining grease traps that are clean, compliant, and ecologically conscious. Our grease trap services are competitively priced and our track record for timely yet thorough appointments is unrivaled.
