Grease traps, as the name implies, are contraptions designed to trap grease, fatty oils and sludge and separating oil from water compounds. The substances and wastes in liquid forms pass through the trap and only water is let through, leaving the remains behind. Grease traps are effective but must be regularly maintained to maximize its efficiency. Read on to find out what one needs to know about grease trap cleaning!
Detach the lid and inspect the parts
Using a pry bar, detach the lid from the grease trap. Do perform this action slowly as the gaskets for the trap are fragile. Inspect the grease trap’s parts after the lid has been removed. Take note of the individual parts as they will be washed separately and will have to be put back in place correctly. It is good to snap a picture so that one can refer to it, at a later time.
Measure the amount of debris and transfer the water
Using a measuring stick, dip it into the bottom of the trap and measure the level of debris. This can provide you an idea of how much debris are physically in the trap. Proceed to displace the water in the tank with the help from a bucket. The water can then be poured into the drain after collecting the waste.
Remove the waste and scrape the interior of the tank
Proceed to remove the waste from the tank, now that the water is removed. Use a bucket to scoop up the waste and place it in a thick plastic or garbage bag for disposal. Using a metal sponge, scrap the sides and interior of the trap to remove any grime. A vacuum can also be used to suck out any small bits of waste.
Clean the interior and exterior of the tank with soap
Mix soap with water and dap a cloth into the mixture before proceeding to clean the interior and exterior of the tank. Do remember to rinse or wash the sides with water after that! Last but not least, as a final step, re-assemble the parts of the grease trap to its original setup.
