If you've ever worked in a restaurant, you know how important the grease trap is to how well the kitchen runs. You've also probably experienced the bad odors and other issues that occur when a grease trap isn't cleaned. When grease traps aren't cleaned well, not only does this lead to expensive commercial plumbing repair in Pittsburgh, PA,but it also can lead to sanctions from the city. Keep reading to learn more about why grease trap cleaning is so important.
Grease and Sewer Problems
Have you needed more bathroom plumbing repair in Pittsburgh, PA, lately? Are you experiencing problems with clogged sewer lines? While there are plenty of reasons why these problems happen, if you run a restaurant and haven't had your grease traps cleaned in a while, start there. Grease traps are part of your building's drainage system. If too much time lapses between cleanings, the grease starts to leak into the drainage system. This causes sewer pipes to overflow with cooking fat, oil, and grease (FOG). Not only does this damage your business, but the mess also can overflow onto streets and affect other businesses in the area. If this happens, the city will hold your restaurant financially responsible.
Dirty Grease Traps Pollute the Environment
Where do you think all that grease goes when it gets into the system? If you have a grease trap that's outside and not covered, all it takes is a little rainfall for the grease to spill over. Once this happens, you have grease and other substances flowing into storm drains. Unlike sewer pipes, storm drains redirect the water that flows through them into nearby streams, lakes, and other water sources. Wildlife drink from these water sources, and grease is harmful to them. Grease trap cleaning from commercial companies that provide all-service plumbing in Pittsburgh, PA, stops this from happening.
How to Reduce Grease Buildup
Some restaurants forgo grease trap cleaning because they can't find affordable plumbing service in Pittsburgh, PA. Nothing you do in the kitchen replaces the need for regular cleaning services. However, there are steps your kitchen staff can take to reduce how often you need grease trap cleaning.
When you're cleaning dishes, avoid rinsing grease down the drain. Wipe down cooled pots and pans with paper towels before putting them in the dishwasher or sink. Also, make it a habit to wipe out the interceptors and clean the grease machines after each shift. These simple changes go a long way toward keeping grease buildup in check.
Do need grease trap cleaning? Has it been a while since you've called a plumber? Are you unsure how often you need this service? Every restaurant and commercial kitchen has different needs. Contact Stahl Plumbing for full-service plumbing in Pittsburgh, PA, and get these questions answered today.