Grease traps play a vital role in maintaining clean and efficient commercial kitchens, preventing plumbing issues, and complying with local regulations.
Grease traps intercept and collect fats, oils and grease (FOG) discharged from kitchen wastes. They can protect your wastewater system from blockages by eliminating or reducing FOG discharged into pipework and the downstream systems.
Depending on the nature and set up of the establishment that needs to be fitted, there are many options to remove grease and waste from wastewater and help prevent plumbing and compliance issues. Businesses that are either required or benefit from grease traps are butcheries, cafes, food processing facilities, restaurants, hospitals / hospices, schools, retirement homes, childcare centres and malls, just to name a few.
THERE ARE TWO MAIN TYPES OF GREASE TRAPS OR INTERCEPTORS
1. Automatic Grease Traps
Often called Automatic Grease Removal Units (AGRUs), these grease interceptors skim grease and oil from wastewater from your sink or dishwasher and send it to the drainage system. Typical businesses these systems are ideal for are food establishments in a mall or hospital, or a restaurant inside of a large building. Automatic grease traps can be professionally serviced or self-serviced and although automatic grease traps have a higher initial cost, they have low long-term service costs if maintained correctly.
2. Above or Below-Ground Passive Grease Traps
Passive grease traps work by cooling down the wastewater so that FOG floats to the surface and other solid material, such as food scraps, sink to the bottom.To be effective, grease traps must retain the fluid long enough for it too cool and for the FOG to float to the surface.
These grease inceptors are made of lightweight, compact polyethylene and are perfect for difficult site applications. They are ideal for butcher shops, cafes, small restaurants, bakeries, or any commercial building that discharges oil, grease or other semi solids and solids. Clenz successfully partners with architects, engineers & developers to help them build trade waste compliance into their projects from the ground up.
A variety of businesses use above or below ground grease traps. Some of Clenz’ customers include KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonalds, Qantas, Caltex, Fox Studios and Coles Supermarkets. Gravity traps have a high initial cost and must be pumped on a regular basis, but feature large capacities that are ideal for high-volume needs.
Solid strainers
Solid Strainers are ideal for busy kitchens’ prep and pre-rinse sinks. They remove most common kitchen waste before it can enter your wastewater system. Solids strainers are economical and easy option to ensure that you remain in compliance and keep your wastewater systems running at peak efficiency. Clenz’ in-sink solid waste arrestors can be retrofitted into any 90mm sink outlet and feature easy to remove baskets that make clean up a breeze and ensure your kitchen continues to perform without having to worry about solid waste issues and complying with local authority codes. While it doesn’t remove the liquified grease from wastewater, solid strainers can be an important part of the overall wastewater management in busy commercial kitchens.
Other factors to take into consideration when choosing a grease trap are:
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Assess Your Needs & Calculate Flow Rate
To begin your journey to the ideal grease trap, start by assessing your kitchen's requirements. Consider the number of sinks, dishwashers, and the volume of wastewater your establishment generates. This will help you measuring the flow rate of wastewater, especially during peak hours. This information will enable you to determine the minimum capacity required for your grease trap. You can also use our handy grease trap sizing tool.
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Understand New Zealand Regulations
Each locality may have specific plumbing codes and regulations regarding grease trap installation and maintenance. Ensure you are familiar with these regulations to avoid potential fines and violations.
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Placement
The placement of a grease trap is important and depends on the layout of the kitchen and grounds. Traps will need a large area, and depending on your kitchen and building layout can sit right under the sink or set underground.
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Budget Considerations
Determine your budget for both the purchase and installation of the grease trap. While cost is a factor, prioritise quality and compliance with local regulations to avoid future expenses.
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Grease Trap Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for grease trap efficiency. Consider accessibility for cleaning and maintenance when selecting a model. Automatic traps may require less frequent attention but can be more complex. Finally, establish a maintenance plan and schedule to ensure your grease trap operates efficiently over time. Regular cleanings and inspections are critical for compliance and optimal performance.
The best grease trap for restaurants will depend greatly on your individual needs and flow. Overall, the most important part of any grease trap is that it is well-maintained. Installing a grease trap can save you potentially thousands of dollars in plumbing repairs, and a maintaining and cleaning it properly will make sure it continues to do so.
With the help of Clenz’ professional and friendly team you can make an informed decision that suits your commercial kitchen's size, flow rates, budget, and local regulations.
Contact Clenz today for more information on how we can help your business maintain your grease trap, as well prevent the oil from going to waste.
