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Interceptor Maintenance Tips

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28 views2 pages

Interceptor Maintenance Tips

Uploaded by

micrefee
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Grease Trap/Interceptor Management

If your food service establishment discharges fats, oils, or grease (FOG) in wastewater from dishwashing or other
cleaning activities you are required by the City of Lawrence and plumbing code to install and maintain a device (such as a
grease trap or interceptor) to eliminate the discharge of FOG. Controlling FOG makes good business sense. A blockage
caused by FOG can shut a business down for several days and cost thousands of dollars in lost profits and cleanup
expenses. A little preventative maintenance will help ensure that you are in compliance with City Code and avoid this
costly problem.

It is important to clean your grease trap/interceptor regularly to prevent fats, oil and grease (FOG) from mixing with
water that is discharged to the sewer. Grease is considered a prohibited discharge under chapter 19 article 5 and 6 of
City of Lawrence Municipal Code as it will cause blockages in sewer lines. The minimum cleaning frequency required for
grease traps/interceptors in food service facilities is highly variable based on the grease interceptor you have and
restaurant operations. Typical maintenance frequencies imposed by many municipalities include pumping outdoor
gravity grease interceptors a minimum of every 90 days and completely emptying and cleaning indoor grease
interceptors at least once a month. However, more frequent cleaning intervals may be necessary to prevent your grease
trap/interceptor from operating poorly or improperly. FOG can have a detrimental impact not only on your facility, but
the environment, and public health as well. FOG clogged lines can back sewage up into your establishment and overflow
out of manholes in parking lots and streets. This can lead to surface water contamination and human exposure to raw
sewage. If you see floating grease or grease deposits in a cleanout “downstream” of your trap/interceptor, you need to
increase the cleaning frequency. Controlling FOG makes good business sense.

Sources of Fats Oil and Grease


FOG can come from a variety of sources, many of which we forget contain FOG. Examples include:

Baked Goods Fried or sautéed Foods Peanut Butter


Batter Lard Popcorn(Buttered)
Butter & Margarine Mayonnaise Salad Dressings
Cooking Oil Meats (including trimmings & skins) Sauces & Gravy
Dairy Products Pastries Shortening

Recommended Maintenance Schedule


Indoor small grease interceptors, less than 100 gallons, may require inspection and/or cleaning 1‐2 times per week
depending on the amount of grease entering the drains. Not properly cleaning and maintaining a small grease
interceptor will lead to grease pass through, clogged sewer lines and higher sewer rates for everyone. Read your
manual for specific cleaning instructions and methods to set a schedule.
Outdoor Gravity Grease Interceptors typically require inspection and cleaning at least quarterly (every 90 days) by a
professional service company. It is recommended to inspect the cleaned interceptor after they are done before it
is refilled with water.

For any grease interceptors, the total volume of grease and solids should never exceed 25% of the total volume of
the tank. If you can see floating grease, grease deposits or grease build up downstream of your grease trap or
interceptor, the frequency of cleanings should be increased.
Implement Best Management Practices and Employee training
Keeping as much fat oil and grease out of the drain and interceptor makes your maintenance job easier.

 Dry Scrape or wipe plates and utensils into garbage or compost prior to washing
 Ensure employees never dump grease or oil down the drain – post no grease signs near drains
 Keep dry absorbents ready for any grease or oil spills
 Do not use garbage disposals, they will overload the interceptor with solids.
 Keep hot water temperature below 140 degrees Fahrenheit

Tips on routine maintenance


 It is recommended that a professional service be used to ensure proper maintenance. This is necessary on outdoor
gravity grease interceptors.
 Read your manufacturer specified maintenance requirements and follow them.
 Since grease traps/interceptors may have an unpleasant odor. It is recommended that you have them cleaned prior to
patrons visiting you establishment.
 Use Allen screws for securing the lid of your trap/interceptor instead of the conventional Phillips or slot screws.
Phillips or slot screws may become stripped over time.
 Keep an extra gasket on site for your grease trap/interceptor’s lid to prevent leaks and odors in the event of a gasket
failure.
 Develop and keep a grease trap/interceptor cleaning procedure and maintenance log sheet posted near the grease
trap/interceptor and require employees to follow procedures and to promote proper documentation after each
cleaning.
 Facilities experiencing high employee turnover or other factors making regular trap/interceptor maintenance difficult
should consider using a professional service.
 Keep cleaning documentation on file to show consistent cleaning in the event of an inspection or overflow incident.

Tips on cleaning your grease interceptor (less than 100 gallons)


 Prior to cleaning a grease interceptor (less than 100 gallons), let ice melt into the sink connected to the device. This
will reduce odors and cause the grease to congeal, making grease removal easier.
 Remove grease periodically (weekly or more often is suggested), using a scoop. Remove only the grease and leave the
water behind.
 At a minimum, clean and empty the entire contents of the grease interceptor once a month.
 Remove the grease, water, and any accumulated sludge on the bottom of the interceptor.
 Remove the cleanout at the end of the grease interceptor and perform a visual inspection to check for any grease
deposits/build‐up inside the pipe.
 Clean any greasy deposits from the piping so you can observe when new grease deposits form, and flush with hot
soapy water before closing the cleanout.
• Make sure the flow directing baffles inside your grease interceptor are properly replaced after each cleaning.

image credit: https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Grease_Trap_Hydromechanical_BAPPGs.jpg

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