Experiencing a Backup? Here’s Why It’s Not Always the Grease Trap

With that in mind, where does a grease trap clog usually originate?

While the trap itself is shaped similarly to a box and is fairly large, the pipes leading into and out of the trap are much smaller and quite narrow, typically 6’’ in diameter, sometimes as small as 4’’. If you’re trying to locate the source of a grease trap problem, the odds are much greater that the root cause is one of the narrow pipes leading into and out of the trap, rather than the spacious trap itself.

Now that you have an idea of where most clogs originate, how do they form?

A slow grease buildup over time is one cause. Think of it like an artery pumping blood away from your heart and to your organs: the more unhealthy food you eat over time, the more plaque builds up inside the artery, eventually leading to a clog. Grease trap lines work the same way and as waste passes through, some of it will stick to the pipes, building up over time and eventually leading to an overflow. How do you know which pipe is causing the issue? If the spillover is seeping into your kitchen, there’s a chance it is your inlet pipe. Conversely, if you notice a grease trap overflow in your parking lot, it’s more likely there is an issue with your outlet pipe.

A clog can also form more rapidly. Everything that your staff puts down any drain in your business goes through the pipes and ends up in the grease trap. A large chunk of food, a plastic straw, small container or other debris getting into the drain lines is likely to cause a clog quicker.

If a clog forms in the inbound or outbound drainage pipes, you’ll want to call a plumbing company. Your grease trap service provider drains and washes out the grease trap itself, whereas a plumbing service is equipped to fix any damaged or clogged pipes.

Stop clogs before they happen

The best option, of course, is to stop grease clogs and overflows before they happen. Educate your employees on best practices regarding what to put down the drain. Limit the amount of grease, food waste and any other solid debris from entering your drainage system. Having your grease trap regularly serviced is a preventative measure that is important in ensuring your trap lines do not clog. Additionally, it doesn’t hurt to have a plumbing service hydro-jet your pipes at least twice a year. It will wash away the inevitable build up that forms over time and help prevent clogs. This is a more effective measure than snaking, which only temporarily breaks up the clog and your pipe will end up clogging yet again.

If your business experiences a clog or overflow, remember that it is not always the grease trap that needs to be serviced. It’s likely one of your pipes causing the issue and calling a plumbing service is your best bet to get your drainage system functioning properly again.