Making Sure Your New Grease Trap is Up to Standards

If you own a food service establishment you are most likely already aware that you must have a new grease trap installed. However, knowing you need to have a trap installed and being qualified to install one are not the same things. Much like any other piece of specialized equipment in your commercial kitchen, your grease trap must be installed by a licensed service provider to ensure that it meets the standards required in your area.

Codes & Plumbing Standards

In most areas, grease traps and the standards that guide their installation, usage and maintenance are prescribed in the areas building & environmental codes. Failure to follow all applicable codes can result in heavy fines in some locations. Having an in-depth knowledge of all plumbing and associated codes will be required to determine appropriate units, location, and installation for your new grease trap.

Sizing

There are many things to consider when installing a new grease trap including the size, location, and design that will be used. In many locations, the size and location of your trap will be determined for you based on local codes and the qualifications set forth by the city building inspector. A grease trap that is not correctly sized will fail to function correctly and will need to be replaced.

Installation

Regardless of what type of trap you have installed, you will need to obtain the proper permits before its installation. You will also need to ensure that your unit and its placement follow all applicable guidelines for your area, this may require upgrades to lines leading into and out of the trap, removal of prohibited or restricted features and meeting accessibility standards for maintenance and monitoring.

A grease trap is not a complicated piece of equipment, but installing it correctly requires specialized knowledge. You should never attempt to install your own grease trap. A licensed plumbing professional can help you get the right product installed in the right location, with the right conditions to keep you and your restaurant running. Contact EarthCare online or by phone at 800-428-6166 for more information about installing, maintaining, upgrading or repairing your commercial grease trap.