It's one thing to have a grease trap installed, but it's another thing to use it correctly. If you aren't using the trap properly, you open the door to a number of different issues. In order to ensure you are doing things correctly, here are two mistakes you want to avoid.

Overlooking Damaged Gaskets

If you recognize that any of the gaskets around the trap are damaged, make sure you make replacing these pieces a priority. The gaskets are responsible for sealing off the lid of the trap. When the gaskets have failed, the trap lid won't be tightly secured in place, meaning that some of the grease could easily seep out. Depending on the location of your grease trap, grease being able to leak out could pose a safety hazard and it can also cause offensive odors from the trap to become airborne.

In terms of odors, this won't just be an issue for your team members, but also for any customers that are in your restaurant. Recognizing a damaged gasket is fairly easy. In most cases, the gasket will be visibly ripped or torn. Secondly, difficulty securing the lid when trying to close the trap is often another indication of a damaged gasket.

Hot Flushing The Drain

When in between trap cleanings, some restaurant owners think it a simple fix to hot flush the drain. If you don't know what this is, it's a practice where you pour boiling water down the drain where the grease trap is located. The idea is that by placing the hot water in the drain, any solidified grease will liquefy and drain away. This is a huge mistake. Sure, the solidified grease does liquefy when it comes in contact with hot water; however, this is only temporary.

The liquefied grease simply drains deeper into the system and unfortunately, once it cools again, it hardens. Instead of being able to simply remove the solidified grease from the trap, the hardened grease has traveled far deeper into the system. Not only does this have the potential to cause a major clog for your business, if the grease travels far enough it can cause a clog within any shared lines in the area. If it is proven that you are responsible for this clog, most municipalities generally cite you with a hefty fine.  

Make sure you aren't making these mistakes. A grease removal professional can help ensure you are on the right track.