5 Tips To Consider While Buying A Grease Trap!

A number of food service businesses around the world have dealt with unpleasant consequences of grease traps. The most common reasons are a malfunctioning or an overflowing grease trap. In both the cases, chances are that either there is a lack of regular maintenance or the installed grease interceptor does not meet the requirements completely.

If you have faced such consequences, you know that this could potentially damage the nearby homes, businesses and the environment and might also damage the reputation of your food service business. Besides, the cost involved in getting things back to normal could be another big deal.

Hence, to avoid such situations, opting for the right grease trap is a crucial decision. So whether you are replacing your old grease interceptor or buying a new one, considering the factors discussed below can help you get the right grease trap installed more like an expert.
 

Determine The Size Of Grease Interceptor With The Number Of Sinks Used

The most important aspect of your purchase begins with opting for the right size of the grease trap. If the size is too small it may allow the wastewater to flow away quickly without giving enough time for the FOG to separate. And if the size is too big, you know it to be a wastage of money.

However, a simple formula can help you to choose the right size. The measurement of a grease interceptor is done by Gallon Per Minute (GPM). To calculate GPM, multiply the sink volume (lxbxh) by 0.003. If you have more number of sinks, for example 3, then multiply the sink volume with the number sinks used (lbhx3), followed by multiplying it with 0.003.

Approximate The Usage Of Each Sink

The menu of your restaurant greatly impacts the size and the working of a grease trap. If your commercial kitchen prepares dishes that causes a lot of fat and grease to be disposed of down the sink, then you need a bigger grease interceptor. In addition, it also important to find out the number of meals prepared and its amount of waste released down the sink. Considering the above factors will help you to choose the right size of the grease trap.

Total Cost Of Installation

The total cost of installation includes more than just the initial price of the purchase. After you have purchased the grease interceptor and installed, you will regularly need to empty the unit, dispose of the waste and maintain it which adds to the additional expenses in the long run. For example, the automatic grease traps are easier to clean and require less maintenance. Whereas some high-capacity grease traps may need to be cleaned less frequently. Based on the type of grease trap you install, you may also require a professional help for a regular maintenance.

Nowadays, the kitchen grease is increasingly recycled to be used in producing biodiesel. So if you have a biodiesel plant around your food service business, you could be able to gain some discounts on disposing of the waste.

Finally, it is important to consider how frequently you will need to empty the grease trap and how much will be the cost involved along with the initial cost of installation.

Availability Of Parts

A grease interceptor is a unit that is assembled with different parts or components that are required to perform specific operations. Every single day, the unit has to deal with hot wastewater, grease, and other food waste. So, at some point in time, you might need to replace some part that has gone past its determined life cycle.

Here, what you need to consider is the availability of the part. How quickly can you get the part and fix it easily is something you need to think before the purchase. You can get information from manufacturers and dealers regarding the availability of the parts that will need to be purchased on a predictable schedule.

Code Of Compliance

Commercial Kitchens need to operate according to the laws and regulations laid by government authorities such as the local health department, the local building inspections department, local sewer agency and also follow other plumbing and building codes. With time these codes and regulations might change or be improved.

Take for example the law implemented in Vancouver, Canada in 2012. The government issued new maintenance requirements and limits on the amount of grease and other food waste that can release out of the grease trap and into the sewers. Food businesses that do not follow the code of compliance may be subject to a heavy fine.

Additionally, local authorities in some cities might have banned the use of certain grease interceptors. Or they may also inform you about how often these units need to be cleaned.

So, before considering all the factors discussed earlier, it is crucial to choose the grease trap as per the code of compliance.

Selection From Grease Guardian

Grease Guardian offers a wide range of grease traps for commercial as well as domestic purpose. Any grease interceptor offered by the company is in compliance with the codes.  Two of the most popular grease traps are:

1. D5 Grease Guardian (3.5 l/s, 150 Litres capacity)

D5 is a centralised grease trap that is designed for the commercial kitchens including restaurants and hospitals. The product is manufactured from stainless steel which makes it extremely durable. It is an automatic grease trap equipped with motion-sensor, audio-alarm and more.

2. Marine Grease Guardian (Up to 20 l/s)

Grease Guardian houses a range of grease traps for marine applications too. The marine grease guardian is one of the most advanced grease traps that are specifically designed to function on board ships. They can be easily installed into existing or newly built ships. Even these are automatic units outfitted with oil level sensors, motion-sensors, and audio-alarms.

For the types of grease traps, Grease Guardian offers 10 years warranty on the tank and up to 3 years of warranty on the parts.

In case your business has expanded or the menu has changed, but your kitchen has not, ensure that the grease trap you are using is able to handle the amount of food waste produced. If you are not sure how to check, you can reach out to us for a quick assistance from our friendly technicians. We are happy to inspect your kitchen and the grease trap to ensure everything is functioning properly.

Going forward, whether you looking out for the right grease trap for your commercial kitchen or are in need of a routine grease trap maintenance, Grease Guardian is here to meet your requirements with a professional and friendly approach.

Explore the wide range of Grease Interceptors, and order online.