Grease traps are a vital part of your restaurant's plumbing system. For this reason, in this blog post, our professionals from Septic Blue of Raleigh will be discussing what grease traps can do for your restaurant.

What is a Grease Trap

Grease traps are plumbing devices that are designed to intercept and capture grease and oil before they enter the wastewater system. They come in different sizes depending on the volume of wastewater produced by your restaurant. A typical grease trap is installed underground outside your restaurant, between the kitchen and the sewer line. The trap has two chambers, one for the inflow of wastewater and one for the outflow of treated water.

What Does a Grease Trap Do?

Grease traps are designed to prevent grease and oil from entering the sewer system. When wastewater containing grease and oil is discharged into the sewer system, it can cause significant problems. The grease and oil can accumulate in the pipes, causing blockages that lead to backups and overflows. Additionally, grease and oil can harden and solidify in the pipes, making it even more difficult to remove and can cause serious damage to your plumbing system.

How Does it Work?

When wastewater enters the first chamber, the lighter grease and oil rise to the top, generating a layer of scum, while the heavier solids sink at the bottom. The scum is contained in the first chamber thanks to a baffle that divides the first and second rooms. Before being discharged into the sewer system, the second chamber enables the effluent to settle out further and receive treatment. The treated water is less damaging to the environment since it is cleaner and has less fat and oil in it.