Grease trap maintenance is often considered an essential practice for high-volume kitchens, but it’s just as crucial for low-volume kitchens.

The speed of fats, oils and grease (FOG) buildup in grease traps can be highly dependent on kitchen practices, such as pre-rinse cleaning practices, how much residual fats and oils are left on utensils, pans and plates that go into dishwashers, the type of food being prepared and the cutting, trimming or processing waste that ends up in skins. Even some relatively low-volume kitchens may prepare food or have kitchen practices that can lead to rapid FOG buildup in grease traps.

Regardless of the amount of FOG a kitchen produces, these substances can accumulate over time, leading to blockages, costly repairs and even fines for non-compliance with local regulations.

Whether you run a bustling fast-food restaurant, a hospital cafeteria or a small café, consistent grease trap cleaning should be a top priority for protecting your plumbing and ensuring smooth operations.

Why Any Kitchen Can Suffer from FOG Buildup

Washing fats, oils and grease down drains via sinks or dishwashers is an inevitable aspect of operating any food service business. Unfortunately, FOG doesn’t stay liquid or suspended in running water for long.

For low-volume kitchens, it’s easy to underestimate the impact of FOG because the daily output may seem minimal. However, many low-volume kitchens have smaller grease traps, meaning they can fill up relatively quickly despite the low volume.

Without regular cleaning, grease traps or interceptors can experience grease trap overflow or FOG bypass, allowing FOG to enter the sewer line and municipal sewer system. FOG bypass can rapidly clog a business’s sewer line, which can result in expensive messes and necessitate invasive repairs to your property. Businesses often need to shutter while water damage from a backup is mitigated and the sewer line is repaired.

Regular grease trap inspections and strict cleaning requirements, as well as hefty fines for food service businesses that don’t adhere to the 25-percent rule, are intended to prevent damage to sewer systems.

The Types of Grease Traps and Their Uses

Grease traps come in different sizes and configurations to accommodate the varying needs of businesses. Choosing the right type of grease trap and maintaining it properly is essential for any food service operation.

Under-Sink Grease Traps

• Ideal for Low-Volume Kitchens: These small traps are installed directly under sinks and are perfect for cafés, bakeries and coffee shops with limited cooking operations.
  
  
• Benefits: They are compact, cost-effective and easy to install, making them a practical choice for businesses that produce lower volumes of FOG.
  
  
• Maintenance Needs: Because of their smaller size, under-sink grease traps need frequent cleaning to prevent overflow and ensure optimal performance.

In-Ground or Outdoor Grease Traps

• Designed for High-Volume Kitchens: Large establishments such as fast-food chains, restaurants and cafeterias typically rely on outdoor grease traps to handle substantial FOG output.
  
  
• Capacity: These traps can handle hundreds of gallons of wastewater, making them suitable for operations with continuous, heavy grease production.
  
  
• Maintenance Needs: While they don’t require cleaning as frequently as under-sink traps, neglecting maintenance can lead to significant issues, including blockages, odor problems and non-compliance fines. The frequency of cleaning is highly dependent on volume an the size and number of traps. Particularly high-volume businesses, like high-traffic fast food restaurants, may need grease trap maintenance and cleaning more frequently than is technically required by local ordinances in order to maintain compliance with the 25-percent rule.

Why Routine Grease Trap Cleaning Matters

Prevents Costly Repairs

FOG blockages can damage plumbing and sewer lines, resulting in expensive repairs. Regular cleaning helps grease traps function correctly, intercepting FOG before it causes problems.

Avoids Business Disruption

Clogged pipes or overflowing grease traps can lead to downtime, forcing your kitchen to close temporarily. For high-volume kitchens, this can mean significant revenue loss for both high- and low-volume kitchens.

Compliance with Local Regulations

Georgia municipalities require businesses to maintain grease traps and keep records of cleaning schedules. Failing to comply with the local department of watershed management rules can result in fines or penalties, which are easily avoidable with proper maintenance.

Are You Looking for a Licensed Grease Trap Maintenance Company to Keep Your Atlanta Grease Traps in Compliance and Functioning Properly?

Southern Green Inc. specializes in professional grease trap cleaning and maintenance services for businesses of all sizes. From small under-sink traps to large outdoor systems, we make sure your kitchen stays compliant and operational.

Contact us today on our website or give us a call at (404) 419-6887 to schedule your service and avoid grease trap problems or fines.