Six Grease Trap FAQs

A grease trap is essential in any kitchen. This clever piece of equipment is installed in the under-sink drainage and filters out fats, oil and grease (FOGs). This prevents them clogging pipework and getting into the sewers – remember the fatberg?

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So how can you decide on the best grease trap for your kitchen?

Why do I need a grease trap?

If you prepare hot food for on-site consumption or for the public, building regulations state you must have an effective grease management system.

The Water Industry Act 1991 states that commercial kitchens have a duty not to clog the drain network. FOGs can cause serious and costly problems in terms of cleaning and replacement of pipework. A grease trap will also help eliminate foul odours in the kitchen.

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How does a grease trap work?

FOGs are less dense in water than solid food particles. The grease trap is a large box that contains a baffle that separates the solids from the FOGs and then traps them within the unit, allowing the waste water to flow away.

Stainless steel grease traps like those from https://www.ukgreasetrapsdirect.co.uk/stainless-steel-grease-traps are particularly effective as they won’t rust.

Where can I place a grease trap?

A grease trap can be located internally or externally, above or below ground. They range in capacity from 40 to 45,000 litres.

What size of grease trap do I need?

This depends on factors like the number of covers and your daily water consumption. If you only have a limited space, then a smaller grease trap will suit you needs, whereas a larger capacity can give a more efficient cleaning cycle.

How often should the grease trap be cleaned and serviced?

This largely depends on the type of operation that you run and the volume of waste in your kitchen. The basic recommendation is that grease traps are cleaned twice a year and serviced once a year, but this depends on use.

How do I choose the right grease trap for my kitchen?

You need to consider all the variables in your kitchen – for example, situation of sinks, internal or external space, average daily covers, volume of water entering the drain run and your budget.

Taking these factors into consideration will help you decide on the volume, size and location of the best grease trap for your kitchen.