There are a variety of “additives” sold as aids to grease trap function. Most municipalities DO NOT allow any types of emulsifiers as they enable the fats oils and grease {FOG} to harden in the pipes further down the line. Bacteria additives can be helpful, but generally the waste retention time is inadequate to benefit, or the temperature inside the trap fluctuates such that the bacteria doesn't function well.

Grease trap maintenance is good management practice as it can greatly reduce the risk of costly sewer drain problems, both inside your establishment and more importantly, in your City sewer system. Most Cities have instituted stiff fines as well as revocation of permits to operate for non-compliance of grease trap service requirements. One Massachusetts City has the right to issue an order to install an electric automatic grease trap, an expensive outcome for a simply practice as well as additional maintenance responsibility for the facility. Grease trap service intervals, when not mandated by your municipality, are determined by individual usage, there is no set schedule. Using Boston Water and Sewer Commission regulations, traps should be cleaned once a month OR when one quarter of the liquid depth of the trap consists of grease or oil, whichever occurs first. A quality vendor will work with you to establish a reasonable time schedule between cleanings.

Do:

• Make sure all kitchen sinks are tied into a grease trap, and that the trap is appropriately sized*

• Have traps serviced regularly as required by your municipality

• Train kitchen staff to remove as much residuals from plates or pans before rinsing

• Keep excess fats, oils and grease {FOG} out of sinks and dispose of separately in appropriate containers for vendor pickup

• Check with your municipality or health department to know the schedule requirements for proper grease trap service as well as compliance log verification

• Post signage at any sinks not connected to a grease trap stating “NOT FOR USE WITH OILY OR GREASY SUBSTANCES”

• Post signage near the grease trap stating “IMPORTANT ! This grease trap shall be inspected and thoroughly cleaned on a regular and frequent basis. Failure to do so could result in damage to the piping system, and the municipal or private drainage system”

• Have dishwasher connected to its own trap when required

Don't:

• Pour boiling water down sinks that are connected to a trap

• Connect a garbage disposer to any trap

• Pour used fats, oil or grease into any sink, or toilet!

• Use dishwashers as pot washers when not connected to a grease trap

• Allow grease to enter floor drains

• Use caustics, acids, solvents, soaps, enzymes, drain cleaners or emulsifying agents into any sink, but particularly a sink attached to a grease trap

• Clean equipment outdoors in an area not served by a drain connected to a grease trap. This applies to vendors cleaning your range hoods too.