Commercial kitchens rely heavily on properly functioning grease traps. If yours stops working, things can go downhill fast. A grease trap problem can cost you valuable time and money — and may even damage your business reputation.
At the first sign of a problem, contact the local plumbing experts at Alexander Services. We provide professional grease trap repair in Holly Springs, NC, to keep your grease trap and your kitchen flowing smoothly.
Commercial Grease Trap Services
Commercial kitchens use large quantities of fats, oils, and grease (FOG), including butter, cooking oil, and salad dressings. If FOG goes directly down the drain, it can damage plumbing systems and cause unsanitary overflows — both in the building and onto the property.
To prevent this from happening, grease traps (also known as grease interceptors) are installed between the kitchen and the sewer line. They hold discharge long enough for the FOG to cool, solidify, and separate from the remaining waste. State and city authorities establish grease trap compliance regulations, including size and maintenance requirements.
Proper grease interceptor installation, repair, and maintenance are essential for any commercial kitchen.
Consequences of Grease Trap Problems
If your grease trap fails, it can cause a host of problems, including the following:
- Foul odors
- Clogged drains
- Burst pipes
- Messy spills
- Sanitary sewer overflow
- Insect or rodent infestations
- Costly restaurant closures and fines
Signs You Need Grease Trap Repair in Holly Springs, NC
Even with regular cleaning, grease interceptors sometimes have problems. The following signs indicate that it’s time to call for grease trap repair or replacement.
- Bad odors: If you notice bad odors in your kitchen, basement, outdoor area, or elsewhere, your grease trap may have a problem. Typically these smells come from decaying food particles that have settled at the bottom of the tank.
- Liquid leaks: Leaks of water or sludge from the grease trap may indicate holes in the tank or pipe connections. Older metal grease traps are particularly vulnerable to corrosion and rust.
- Frequent pumping: Typically, you shouldn’t need to pump and clean your grease trap more than once a month. If you do, the trap may not be working properly.
- Clogged pipes: Excessively full grease traps overflow from the primary compartment into the secondary compartment. When this happens, grease can clog the pipes and cause plumbing problems.
- Slow drainage: If your sinks are draining slowly or require frequent plunging, it’s time to schedule a grease trap cleaning and inspection. The longer you wait, the further down into your plumbing system the clog may travel.
If you notice any of the above, contact Alexander Services ASAP. We can provide emergency grease trap fixes and also discuss grease trap upgrades and technology solutions.
Best Practices for Grease Trap Maintenance
Unfortunately, grease traps are not a one-and-done solution. To prevent costly and dangerous backups, you need to practice preventative maintenance.
- Waste reduction: Follow proper kitchen management procedures like discarding fryer oil in specific containers, not putting food scraps down sinks, and practicing dry cleanup to reduce the amount of waste that enters the grease trap.
- Spill prevention: Use spill-prevention tools and methods to reduce the number of areas that require cleanup.
- FOG maintenance: Train staff members on the correct operation of oil supply, filtration, and waste collection equipment.
- Professional maintenance: Grease trap maintenance requirements vary by business and municipality. However, a general rule is that when FOG and other food waste exceeds 25% of your grease trap, it’s time for professional service.
Professional Grease Trap Services in Holly Springs
Give Alexander Services a call! Whether you need grease trap repair in Holly Springs, NC, or want professional assistance fixing FOG blockages, we can help!
Alexander Services has been serving restaurants and commercial kitchens in the greater Raleigh area since 2012. As a full-service company, we can meet all your commercial needs — from grease trap cleaning services to HVAC troubleshooting.Contact us today or call (919) 886-4822 for a quote on the cost of grease trap servicing for your establishment.
