Your restaurant needs ranges, ovens, cutlery, and several other pieces of equipment to thrive. Each one plays a role in the level of service you’re able to provide for your valued patrons. Regular cleaning and maintenance are also essential to keep your business running smoothly. Your kitchen’s grease trap is no different. As one of your establishment’s most necessary assets, the grease trap attaches to your plumbing lines and captures fats, oils, and greases (FOG) before they reach the wastewater system.
The professionals at SeQuential understand the significant role grease traps play and how regular service can help ensure this component does its job. See if your grease trap is in trouble and if it may be time for a replacement.
1. Foul Odors from Your Grease Trap
One of the most common signs your grease trap needs servicing can be picked up by your nose. When food waste enters the system and starts to decompose, you may notice foul odors in the vicinity of the trap. These pungent smells aren’t just unpleasant for food service workers and customers, they’re also a sign that you need to act.
Released sulfuric acid, a toxic substance, can corrode the tank, causing holes, leaks, and other issues. If you’ve been ignoring the odor for a while, you may find degradation inside that need to be remedied.
2. Clogged Plumbing
With timely grease trap services, your plumbing can run smoothly. But what’s going on if there’s backup? This might be a sign your pipes are clogged with grease and unable to allow water to flow through the system. In some instances, grease can even escape through the manhole cover of your trap or back up into the kitchen. What’s more, many people don’t realize that grease trap performance can affect other areas throughout the building. Additional signs of a clog include:
- Toilet flushing issues
- Toilet filling issues
- Water pressure from faucets
- Slow drains in sinks
- Sink backups
If a backup occurs and your floors are covered in greasy liquid, you should start cleaning the area while waiting for a plumber to arrive. This helps ensure the flooring is safe and the mess won’t spread during the repair process.
3. Age Indicators
If your grease interceptor is older, it could be made from steel. While sturdy and durable, metal grease traps are susceptible to rust and corrosion that compromises performance over time. Hydrosulfuric acid buildup contributes to steel grease trap failure. It’s also difficult to get rid of the solids in the corners and other crevices of the unit, which can foster corrosion as well.
But how can you tell if your grease trap is aging? A professional can let you know if they see any damage during regular servicing. If you’re worried about your grease trap’s age, longevity, and overall performance, proactively addressing your concerns is a great first step toward preventing malfunctions.
4. Unusual Pumping Frequency
As a business owner, you know how important it is to have your grease trap pumped regularly. Used cooking oil recycling and collection services – like those offered by SeQuential – make it easy to keep your equipment on track. While collection frequency depends on the size of your trap and the amount of grease used in the kitchen, it’s a fairly routine process that happens in predictable intervals. Your grease trap is in trouble if it needs to be pumped more frequently than usual.
Partner with SeQuential for Grease Trap Servicing
Before your grease trap is in trouble, let us help you clean and maintain it. SeQuential proudly serves retail food establishments and commercial kitchens across the United States and offers grease trap cleaning services for our local West Coast customers. Our parent company, Neste, takes the used cooking oil we collect and refines it into renewable diesel.
Our team will help ensure your establishment complies with municipal regulations, enabling you to avoid costly fines. We also arrive on a set schedule to make sure your grease trap is cleaned as often as necessary. Contact us today to schedule grease trap servicing and used cooking oil recycling.