It has been and continues to be a difficult year for businesses in Ontario as the government imposes new restrictions on bars and restaurants through October 2020 in an effort to fight rising cases of COVID-19 in the country. Public dining may have lost its appeal for many during the pandemic, but restaurant owners remain diligent and keep their kitchens forever ready for their customers to return. Speaking of staying ready, a vital piece of every kitchen is the grease trap. Is your industrial grease trap (also known as a grease interceptor) dangerously close to failing you? Not sure what to look for? Read on to avoid having to close the kitchen down just as your customers begin to return.
Signs of Grease Trap Issues
Grease traps are simple in their functionality and generally work well for years without repairs needed. This is why they are often overlooked when performing equipment checks in the kitchen. A damaged or under-maintained grease trap is extremely dangerous and can cause kitchen fires. Knowing what to look for will keep you from pushing the limits of your grease trap too far 1.) What’s that smell? The greatest indication of problems is foul grease trap smells. Many employees might quickly become accustomed to the strange smell and ignore it. The simple truth is that kitchen sinks are not supposed to smell and if they do it indicates a serious problem. 2.) Overflows Into the Second Compartment Grease trap overflow is a sure sign your grease trap needs maintenance. Open your grease trap’s cover and inspect the second compartment. Finding grease buildup in the second department means you may soon have a clogged grease trap on your hands. 3.) Can’t Remember the Last Time It Was Cleaned The health department and EPA standards dictate that when fat, oils, and grease (F.O.G.) fill over 25% of the wastewater, it must be cleaned to ensure the health safety of your kitchen. Regular inspections and cleaning of your grease interceptor will not only keep it in great shape it will also keep you from failing a surprise health inspection. 4.) Slow Drains There are a number of plumbing concerns that cause sinks to slowly drain and a clogged grease trap is one of them. Slow drains indicate there is a buildup of debris in your plumbing and regardless if the grease trap is the culprit or not, it is best to have a certified plumber investigate the cause. 5.) Prepare Lots of Fatty Food Does your kitchen sink see loads and loads of dirty dishes and pans every day? The more grease that is cleaned up and down the sink the quicker your grease trap will fill and need service. Busy restaurants particularly need to keep a close eye out for signs of problems with their grease interceptor.
Don’t Neglect Your Trap – Call Pitton Plumbing Today!
Luck favours the prepared, they say. Avoid having a really bad messy day and keep your grease trap safe, clean, and in top working order. Pitton Plumbing and Heating Inc. is standing by for all your SW Ontario industrial kitchen plumbing needs. Request a quote today and let our certified plumbers handle the dirty work. Located in Hamilton, we serve most of Southwestern Ontario. Call us toll-free today: 1-800-499-4184.