Grease Trap Cleaning: How It Benefits SC Restaurants

Although grease traps are often overlooked, their importance can’t be overstated. They prevent clogs, enhance safety and ensure our environment stays free of pollution. But what exactly do they do? Let’s explore five ways grease traps benefit South Carolina kitchens…

 1. Prevents Clogs and Backups

Grease traps play a crucial role in keeping your plumbing system running smoothly. While liquid when hot, fats, oils and grease solidify as they cool, forming stubborn blockages deep within your plumbing. This can financially impact your business in more ways than one.

Some of these include:

• Costly repairs – If blockages are difficult to clear, repairs can be expensive since more time and labor are required to fix the problem.
• Unnecessary wear and tear – Strained pipes and equipment wear out faster, forcing businesses to replace them sooner than expected.
• Revenue loss – Downtime from plumbing problems can disrupt operations, potentially leading to lost productivity. 

To prevent clogs from forming, it's recommended that you get your grease traps cleaned every one to three months. This can mitigate grease buildup and reduce the likelihood that clogs will develop, helping you save money in the long run and extending the life of your plumbing. 

2. Lowers the Risk of Fires

Regular grease trap cleaning is crucial for lowering the risk of fires. When grease is allowed to accumulate, it becomes highly flammable. If grease buildup goes unnoticed, it can become a serious hazard for commercial restaurants, where high heat and open flames are common. 

Even a small spark can ignite grease deposits, leading to dangerous and costly grease fires. Keeping grease traps clean not only protects your business from expensive repairs but also ensures a safer environment for your staff and customers.

3. Keeps Away Unwanted Pests

Regular grease trap cleaning plays an important role in preventing pest problems. As grease accumulates, it often carries old food debris that attracts insects or rodents. By keeping your grease traps clean, you remove a major food source for these intruders, making your business a safer and more sanitary place to operate.

4. Gets Rid of Foul Smells

In addition to being a hazard and attracting pests, grease buildup often produces foul smells that can spread throughout your kitchen and dining areas. This isn’t just unpleasant, but it can also cost you money by driving away customers and even damaging your restaurant’s reputation. Regular grease trap cleaning eliminates these odors, helping you maintain a clean and welcoming environment.

5. Keeps Businesses Code Compliant

Many local businesses are required to have their grease traps cleaned on a regular basis to protect the environment from fats, oils and grease. Routine cleaning not only helps keep harmful materials out of the water system but also ensures your business stays compliant with local codes and regulations. Failing to properly maintain your grease traps can result in hefty fines or even force your business to shut down temporarily.

How is grease trap cleaning done? 

First, the plumber removes the lid and carefully inspects the trap to check for damage or signs of wear. Next, all grease, oils and food debris are pumped out and the interior is scraped clean to eliminate buildup. The plumber then flushes and rinses the trap to ensure it’s clear of residue before resealing the unit. Finally, they dispose of the waste according to local environmental regulations, leaving your business with a clean, functional and compliant grease trap.

Can I Clean My Grease Trap Myself?

While smaller restaurants may be able to handle grease trap cleaning on their own, larger facilities require professional service. Traps holding more than 500 gallons must be cleaned by a licensed plumber, who has the specialized equipment and expertise needed to safely dispose of old grease. 

Licensed plumbers are also familiar with local municipal regulations, helping ensure your business remains in compliance. For many businesses, hiring a professional is the most reliable way to prevent code violations and maintain a safe, efficient kitchen.

Need Your Grease Traps Cleaned? Fortner Has Got You Covered!

Need reliable grease trap cleaning? Our crew at Fortner Plumbing is ready to help! Based in Anderson, we proudly serve businesses across the state, including Greenville, Pendleton and Mauldin. 

We offer professional grease trap maintenance to keep your plumbing system compliant, efficient and free from costly clogs or backups. For more information or to schedule service, give us a call at 864-209-948. To learn more about our full range of plumbing solutions, including backflow testing and fixture services, visit our website by clicking the link here.