Knowing when your grease trap needs cleaning is crucial to prevent blockages, backups, and potential violations of local regulations.

Here are some common signs that indicate it’s time to have your grease trap cleaned:

Slow Drainage: If you notice that sinks, dishwashers, or floor drains in your kitchen are draining more slowly than usual, it can be a sign that the grease trap is reaching capacity, and it needs to be cleaned.

Unpleasant Odors: Foul and unpleasant odors emanating from the drains or the area around the grease trap can be a clear indicator that it needs cleaning. These odors result from the decomposition of trapped grease and food particles.

Gurgling Sounds: When you hear gurgling or bubbling noises coming from drains, it might suggest that there is a blockage in the grease trap or the connected pipes.

Overflow or Backups: If wastewater or grease starts to back up in sinks or drains, or if you experience overflows in the grease trap itself, it’s a clear sign that the trap is full and needs immediate cleaning.

Increased Grease Accumulation: Visual inspection of the grease trap can help determine when it needs cleaning. If you notice a significant buildup of grease and solids, it’s time for maintenance.

Decreased Efficiency: When your kitchen equipment, such as dishwashers or sinks, starts to perform less efficiently, it could be due to a clogged grease trap, indicating the need for cleaning.

Local Regulations: If you are subject to local regulations regarding grease trap maintenance, keep track of the required cleaning schedule and ensure you adhere to it to avoid fines and penalties.

Pest Activity: Grease buildup and odors can attract pests, such as rats, flies, and cockroaches. An increase in pest activity around your grease trap may be a sign that it needs cleaning.

It’s important to address these signs promptly to prevent more significant issues.

DIY Home Solutions for Pesky Clogs

Can’t wait for a plumber? Some minor clogs can be temporarily dislodged from your trap using a few do-it-yourself techniques. Keep in mind that these are only temporary fixes, and repeat clogs should be investigated by an experienced plumber.

If you look under your counter, you’ll see a few different pipes connecting the basin to the wall. A tall, straight pipe should extend down from the basin itself. This straight pipe connects to a curved pipe that looks somewhat like a sideways letter “P.”

The curved shape of the pipe helps slow and trap waste products that get dropped down the sink. If too many materials get trapped in that curve, you’ll notice that your sink has become slow-draining, or even seems to refill from the bottom-up.

Below is the step-by-step guide for cleaning your waste trap:

• Place a bucket or a pan underneath the waste trap to prevent water leaks from the drain trap
• Carefully and safely remove the waste trap by unscrewing the slip joint nuts on each side of the “J” pipe
• Rinse, scrub, and disinfect the trap
• Check and secure all pipe fittings
• Reinstall the trap securely to prevent leaks and under-counter floods

If your pipe isn’t put back together properly, you run the risk of damaging your cabinets. Let us make sure it’s done right!