Grease Traps and Enzyme Treatment
In establishments where food is prepared and/or consumed - restaurants, food outlets and
public houses - grease traps are essential. Kitchen waste is disposed of by flushing it down
sink outlets where fats and oils cool and solidify, causing blocked pipes and receiving
tanks - even mains sewers are often hampered by such deposits.
Kitchen waste disposal units should not be used because they generate excess solid wastes,
which is detrimental to grease trap performance. Solid kitchen waste should be disposed of
by other methods, according to local Council Guidelines or Procedures.
Grease traps are designed to collect fats and oils. Soluble greases held within waste
discharges are retained with the grease trap, while the rest of the waste discharges itself to
the mains sewer, septic tank or sewage treatment plant. Trap sizes are calculated by the number
and frequency of meals prepared. Smaller traps have a basket that can be lifted and cleaned
out, where larger traps need to be de-sludged or dredged. S&B Services can help
customers to select the right grease trap for their location. To maintain optimum performance
weekly inspection of traps is recommended to ensure regular emptying of grease and solids.
Grease traps must be emptied regularly to ensure no carry-over and clogging of pipes.
All communal kitchens connected to individual sewage treatment plants or septic tanks should use
grease traps. Where possible grease traps should be located as close as possible to the sink
outlet so that grease can be trapped before it cools. Where substantial amounts are discharged
or the trap is not close enough to collect grease before it solidifies the use of an enzyme
additive is recommended. The additive can be fed via an automatic drip or manually fed through
the sink outlets. The amount and cost of these additives depends on the situation - S&B Services
is able to recommend and supply enzyme additives at competitive rates.
Domestic householders can benefit from the use of a ‘Fat Trap’ located on their kitchen work
top. Fat Traps hold fats that would normally be flushed down the drain.
See www.lessmess.co.uk