If you run a commercial kitchen, you probably have a grease trap lying underneath the sinks. You have possibly had a fair share of encounters with your grease trap problems, and they probably weren't very pleasant. Generally, everyone wants to save money, and business owners are no exception because they want to maximize profits. Regardless, you need to maintain the grease trap to prevent inconveniences. The following are some clear indications that you need grease trap pumping services soon.
1. Slow Water Drainage
Fats, grease, and oils are notorious for accumulating in the trap, and over time, they solidify due to poor grease trap maintenance. As a result, water going down the drains becomes restricted and responds by flowing slower than expected.
You can confirm this by opening the cap to check if you see a white solid covering the top case. If left unaddressed, slow drainage gradually morphs into no drainage at all. This could lead to a business temporarily closing as you try to unclog the drains and pump the grease trap.
2. It Has Been a Long Time Since Your Last Service
Sometimes, you don't need a warning sign to tell you it's time to call the experts for the pumping service. When was the last time your trap was cleaned professionally? If you are scratching your head to recall, it's probably time to call the experts.
Before the worrisome signs manifest, reach out to the experts for a proper cleaning and grease trap pumping service. Depending on how busy your kitchen is, you are advised to schedule routine services as part of kitchen maintenance.
3. Spotting Grease in Unexpected Locations
The grease trap's primary responsibility is to sieve out any oils and fats in your wastewater before it gets to the plumbing system. This feature helps you avoid major problems such as clogged drains and sewer lines or septic tanks issues.
If you find grease in unusual places such as sinks, water pipes, or sewer lines, this is usually a clear indicator that your trap is overfilling. Consider calling in the experts to clean up the mess and avoid getting into trouble with the law.
4. Bad Odor
The trap holds tons of waste such as decaying oils, grime, grease, and food debris. There's a high chance the awful stench you have been smelling is coming from the trap. This is the last thing you need when running a restaurant. Clean out the trap to protect your reputation and deal with the smell.
You don't have to take any chances if you have encountered any of the signs discussed above. Instead, you should schedule regular grease trap pumping services to maintain a clean and compliant commercial kitchen.