Use the Strainer: A Simple and Easy Way to Protect Your Grease Trap

Protect Your Grease Trap and Protect Your Septic System

The grease trap is the first line of defense to prevent FOG ( fats, oils, and grease) from clogging drain lines and disrupting the smooth flow of your septic system. A grease trap is designed specifically to capture these three elements before they can cause problems, but the trap itself needs to be protected from other foreign solids.

Use the Strainer

Food scraps, bones, small trash items, bits of plastic wrappings, paper tags, bottle caps and any other small solid which can unintentionally find its way to the kitchen sink can cause clogs and backflow at the grease trap itself. The best way to prevent this is by properly using the strainer. Keep the strainer in place even when the sink is not in use, but especially when washing dishes.

All those small objects you see captured by the strainer are future problems you have just avoided. Had they gone on to lodge in the grease trap they would become the core material for tough clogs.

Even with the strainer in place, it’s always the best practice to refrain from dumping hot cooking oil directly down the drain. Let it cool and solidify first and then scrape it to the trash. The grease trap will have all it can handle just from residual FOG from washing dishes and cookware even after they have been scraped free of solids.

Preventive Maintenance Avoids Grease Trap Problems

All grease traps require periodic professional cleaning, even when the strainer is used properly. Some companies may consider a quick skimming of grease off the top of the trap as “professional cleaning” but at Kaiser-Battistone we have a higher standard of professionalism.

Our 14 point inspection process includes complete removal and cleaning of baffles as well as draining the old dirty water. Our expert technicians can advise you on the best frequency for cleaning and preventive grease trap maintenance to avoid problems before they occur. To avoid grease trap problems at your home or business, first put that strainer in, then click this link to schedule your grease trap maintenance.

Kaiser-Battistone has been serving all plumbing and septic needs in Western Connecticut for over 80 years. We provide both commercial and residential services, so don’t hesitate to contact us.