Grease Trap Cleaning
Grease traps, which are also known as grease interceptors and grease recovery devices, are meant for filtering grease, like fats and oils from kitchens, before entering the common sewage system or the wastewater treatment system. When the wastewater gets collected in the sewage tanks or the treatment facilities, the grease forms a floating scum layer. Microorganisms act on this scum layer and digest the grease, but a very large scum layer can overwhelm the tank and pollute the environment. Some of the fats, like lard, can solidify and block the drainage. Hence a grease trap was introduced to filter the grease, before it enters the sewage system.
Usually, grease traps look like boxes or barrels, which are connected to the sewage system. It is located somewhere before the point where the drain pipes meets the common sewage system and is not connected to any other drainage, like those from toilets. Only wastewater containing grease, flow through these grease traps. They can be made of plastic, stainless steel, iron or concrete, and can be placed inside or outside a building. It can be placed underground or above the ground level. The wastewater, which enters the grease tank, cools down to form an oily layer in the top, allowing the water to settle at the bottom. An exit pipe, which is attached to the base of the grease trap helps remove the water, while the grease remains enclosed at the top. The grease which is accumulated is called brown grease, which requires appropriate disposal methods. This grease can also be recycled to produce biofuel.
How to Clean a Grease Trap
As it is used to filter out oils and fats, there are chances of grease build up in the device. This can affect the efficiency of the device, which can lead to a blockage of wastewater and foul smell. Apart from that, large quantities of grease can land up in the common sewage system, which can attract fines too. Hence, regular cleaning and maintenance is necessary. There are professional cleaning services available, which are well trained for cleaning grease traps. But you can also clean it on your own.
- Grease trap cleaning is not at all difficult, if you have enough patience and time. Start the task by removing its cover. You have to do it carefully to avoid damage to the gasket.
- Now remove the scum layer and deposit it in a garbage can lined with several garbage disposal bags.
- The next step is the removal of the baffles and clean and rinse them thoroughly. Now scrape the sediments at its bottom and remove the waste deposited in the strainer.
- You can finish the task with cleaning the bypass vent, for which you need a flexible probe. Once that cleaning is over, you have to fix the baffles properly and place the cover carefully.
- Now dispose off the grease collected. In case of small quantities, you can dispose it off at the local dump. But this is not possible for large quantities. So it is wise to approach professional grease trap cleaners, if you have large commercial grease traps. They can take care of the disposal of large quantities of grease.
