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The Grease Stops Here!		  
Grease Traps 101

Thanks to Brown and Caldwell for the Oregon Association of Clean Water Agencies

Grease Trap and Interceptor Maintenance
Grease trap maintenance is usually performed by maintenance staff, or other employees of the establishment. Grease interceptor (GI) maintenance, which is usually performed by permitted haulers or recyclers consists of removing the entire volume (liquids and solids) from the GI and properly disposing of the material in accordance with all Federal, State, and/or local laws. When performed properly and at the appropriate frequency, grease interceptor and trap maintenance can greatly reduce the discharge of fats, oil, and grease (FOG) into the wastewater collection system.

The required maintenance frequency for grease interceptors and traps depends greatly on the amount of FOG a facility generates as well as any best management practices (BMPs) that the establishment implements to reduce the FOG discharged into its sanitary sewer system. In many cases, an establishment that implements BMPs will realize financial benefit through a reduction in their required grease interceptor and trap maintenance frequency. 

WARNING! Do not use hot water, acids, caustics, solvents, or emulsifying agents when cleaning grease traps and interceptors.

Grease Trap Maintenance

A proper maintenance procedure for a grease trap is outlined below:

Trap.gif (25736 bytes)
  

Step
Action
1.
 Bail out any water in the trap or interceptor to facilitate cleaning. The water should be discharged to the sanitary sewer system.
2.
 Remove baffles if possible.
3.
 Dip the accumulated grease out of the interceptor and deposit in a watertight container.
4.
 Scrape the sides, the lid, and the baffles with a putty knife to remove as much of the grease as possible, and deposit the grease into a watertight container.
5.
 Contact a hauler or recycler for grease pick-up.
6.
 Replace the baffle and the lid.
7.
 Record the volume of grease removed on the maintenance log.

Grease Interceptor Maintenance

Grease interceptors, due to their size, will usually be cleaned by grease haulers or recyclers.  Licensed septic haulers can also pump out grease interceptors and haul the waste to the treatment plant. The hauler must notify DEQ when hauling grease.

A proper maintenance procedure for a grease interceptor is outlined below:

NOTE: Since the establishment is liable for the condition of their pretreatment devices, the establishment                     owners/representatives should witness all cleaning/maintenance activities to verify that the interceptor is being fully cleaned  and properly maintained.

intercept.gif (27825 bytes)


 
Step
Action
1.
 Contact a grease hauler or recycler for cleaning.
2.
 Ensure that all flow is stopped to the interceptor by shutting the isolation valve in the inlet piping to the interceptor.
3.
 Remove the lid and bail out any water in the trap or interceptor to facilitate cleaning. The water should be discharged to the sanitary sewer system.
4.
 Remove baffles if possible.
5.
 Dip the accumulated grease out of the interceptor and deposit in a watertight container.
6.
 Pump out the settled solids and then the remaining liquids.
7.
 Scrape the sides, the lid, and the baffles with a putty knife to remove as much of the grease as possible, and deposit the grease into a watertight container.
8.
 Replace the baffle and the lid.
9.
 Record the volume of grease removed on the maintenance log.