Each sink is outfitted with a drain trap or waste trap designed to catch grease and other debris before it gets washed away into the rest of your plumbing system. The problem is that the trap is sometimes so good at its job that it becomes clogged. If your sink keeps backing up, the trap might be overfilled.
Have our experienced Santa Maria plumbers from Jack's All-American Plumbing take a look at your drain trap by contacting us at (805) 367-5027.
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"5 Star Service"
Professional, thorough, efficient, and reasonable when replacing a leaking water heater.
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"Great Service!"
Jacks, I want you, and Chris, to know that I am very happy with his work today! He is very professional, knowledgeable, and efficient. Took care of all my problems.
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Their technician, Corbin, was here in less than an hour, diagnosed and repaired the leak at a very reasonable price.
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After less than two weeks they finished and everything was put back together beautifully! The cost of that huge job was also less than we had anticipated. We cannot say enough kudos to Jack's Plumbing.
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We have had Jack's out to our home twice. The guys were friendly, and explained very clearly what they were doing, offered some preventive maintenance tips, and the prices were reasonable.
The frequency of cleaning your grease trap depends on several factors, including the size of the grease trap, the volume of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) generated in your commercial kitchen, and local regulations.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some general guidelines:
Small Grease Traps: Small grease traps, typically found in smaller food service establishments, may need cleaning more frequently. This could be anywhere from every two weeks to once a month.
Medium-Sized Grease Traps: Medium-sized grease traps may require cleaning every one to three months, depending on the rate of FOG accumulation.
Large Grease Traps: Larger grease traps found in high-volume kitchens may be cleaned every three to six months, although more frequent maintenance might be necessary in busy establishments.
Monitoring: Regular monitoring of your grease trap is crucial. You should schedule cleanings based on the rate of FOG accumulation. This may involve inspecting the trap and checking for FOG buildup.
Compliance with Regulations: Always check local regulations and follow their guidelines for grease trap cleaning frequencies. Many local authorities specify how often grease traps must be cleaned and may require records of cleaning to demonstrate compliance.
Professional Inspection: Consider having a professional plumber or service provider inspect your grease trap periodically to assess its condition and determine the appropriate cleaning schedule.
It's essential to maintain a consistent cleaning schedule to prevent FOG buildup, which can lead to blockages and sewer system issues. Neglecting grease trap maintenance not only risks operational problems but can also result in regulatory violations and fines. Keep detailed records of your grease trap cleanings and inspections, and be prepared to adjust the cleaning frequency based on actual accumulation rates and local requirements.
What are the Signs You Need Grease Trap Cleaning?
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!
