When you’re operating a food service establishment, you’ll need to regularly pump your grease trap to prevent clogs and other problems. By failing to pump your grease trap regularly, you could be releasing toxic waste into the public sewers, resulting in back-ups into your kitchen. Not only could you end up paying heavy fines, but you also run the risk of incurring costly repairs. Here are some reasons why pumping is so important.
Service provided by a grease trap pumping company
When looking for a grease trap pumping company, keep in mind that there are several factors to consider. These include the type of food waste produced in your facility, the volume of wastewater generated daily, the location of the grease trap, and the ease of access for the pump truck. While most grease traps need to be cleaned about every 60 to 90 days, scheduled maintenance is required for safety and compliance. A company that offers complete grease trap pumping services is likely to meet all of these requirements and leave you with peace of mind.
When choosing a grease trap pumping company, check for their expertise and experience. The technicians at the company will inspect the walls, baffles, and cover of your grease trap. They will also snake out any clogged lines and replace gaskets. They will also give you an up-to-date service log and make recommendations on how often to have your grease trap serviced. The service will also be covered by insurance and will be able to provide you with a free quote.
Cost of grease trap pumping
While the process of grease trap pumping may not seem like a costly proposition, it can be an inconvenience. Not cleaning and pumping your trap properly can result in costly overtime and rush charges. And if you have a concrete trap, you’ll most likely need to replace it multiple times. So, if you’re planning to buy one, make sure to factor in future expenses when comparing prices. After all, this service will keep your kitchen clean and safe!
Prices vary greatly, but typically, an indoor 20-30 gallon trap costs between $125-$180. For a 5,000 gallon grease trap, which is more difficult to access, the cost will be in the neighborhood of $1,040. However, remember that the price will increase significantly if the trap is out of compliance or has not been pumped in years. In addition to pumping, you’ll also need to find a grease hauler that can find your grease trap.
Requirements for grease trap pumping
There are various types of pumping methods for grease traps. Some are mandated by the city, while others are optional. The pump and return method involves pumping out the FOG material, returning it as gray water. This pumping method requires specialized vehicles, and is not suitable for all grease traps. On the other hand, a dry pump method removes all contents from the trap. This pumping method may emit a strong odor until water is added to the trap.
The governing municipality will determine how often the grease trap needs to be pumped out, and the frequency. Typically, grease traps must be pumped out every three months or when they reach 25% capacity. Super-capacity interceptors, such as the Trapzilla, are much less frequent than this. These grease traps can hold more than one thousand pounds of grease and fat. Pumping the traps on a regular basis will reduce solid waste inside the trap and minimize the risk of clogging lines and breaking the system. Pumping the trap will also help the system last longer.
Preventative measures to keep grease traps pumping
If you want to avoid expensive backups and overflows, take preventative measures to keep your grease traps pumping. These preventative measures include pumping out FOG material regularly and cleaning your grease trap. You should hire a grease trap service provider if you do not have the time to clean the trap on your own. You can also use a live bacteria to help break down heavy grease blocks and remove odors.
One way to prevent costly plumbing repairs is to install a high-pressure jetting system. This type of maintenance uses powerful jets to force water out of your grease trap. Typically, the pressure is around 2,000 to 4,000 pounds per square inch. High-pressure jetting should be performed several times a year. If you need help, Lancaster Plumbing Maintenance has multiple line-opening vehicles and full-time technicians to take care of your grease trap needs.