Reliable and Professional Grease Interceptor Cleaning Services for Your Commercial Kitchen
Grease management can be a significant challenge for restaurant owners in California due to strict regulations by the California Plumbing Code and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These regulations require all commercial kitchens to install an efficient FOGS management system to capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they reach the sewerage.
When we talk about grease management systems in a commercial kitchen, the first thing that hits our mind is a grease trap, but what is a grease interceptor?
What is a Grease Interceptor?
A grease interceptor, also known as a FOGS recovery device is a similar kind of plumbing device as a grease trap. It is designed to intercept wastewater and store FOG inside its facility, allowing the cleaner water to flow out into the sewer. Grease interceptors help prevent blockages, backups, and environmental damage caused by FOG. So, there is not much difference between a grease trap and a grease interceptor in their working principle.
Differences between the two devices are in their size and working capacity. Grease interceptors are typically larger and more sophisticated than grease traps and designed to handle higher volumes of wastewater and FOG. Only the larger food business establishments with busy commercial kitchens are required to install a grease interceptor
Want to know more about the differences between a grease trap and a grease interceptor?
Consequences of Neglecting Grease Interceptor Cleaning
Grease interceptor cleaning may seem like a difficult task for and restaurant. It may be tempting for restaurant owners to overlook regular grease interceptor pumping and maintenance of their operation. But such actions can have serious consequences for a commercial kitchen, and the environment. Some of the negative consequences of neglecting grease interceptor cleaning include:
Clogs and backups: Grease interceptors are larger than grease traps and handle tons more wastewater every day. Over time, grease and oil can accumulate in the system, leading to nasty clogs. This can cause wastewater to back up (sewer backup) into your kitchen, resulting in unpleasant odors, health hazards, and costly repairs.
Fines and violations: As mentioned at the beginning of this article, local commercial kitchen regulations in California require regular grease interceptor cleaning and maintenance. To prevent environmental contamination and to avoid getting unwanted citations there’s no alternative to comprehensive and timely grease interceptor pumping. Neglecting these requirements can result in fines, violations, and even legal action.
Environmental damage: FOGS (animal fats, vegetable oils, grease, and solid food particles) are harmful to our environment. When grease and oil enter the municipal sewer system, they can cause serious environmental damage. These substances can clog pipes, harm wildlife, and contaminate waterways, leading to long-term damage to ecosystems and public health.
Neglecting grease interceptor cleaning is an irresponsible act. By doing so you’re not only putting your kitchen and business at risk, but you’re also contributing to environmental damage.
How often Grease Interceptor Cleaning is needed?
The frequency of grease interceptor cleaning is an essential consideration for any commercial kitchen. In addition to the factors mentioned previously, many industry professionals adhere to the “One-Fourth Rule” of grease interceptor cleaning.
While the One-Fourth Rule is a good guideline to follow, it’s important to remember that the frequency of cleaning will depend on your specific kitchen’s needs. Some kitchens may need to have their interceptors cleaned more frequently due to high volumes of grease, while others may be able to go longer between cleanings.
Regardless of the frequency, it’s important to prioritize regular pumping and maintenance of your grease interceptor to ensure its long-term effectiveness and prevent potential issues down the line. If you want to know the exact frequency of grease interceptor cleaning in your establishment, call us today and get your free quote.
call us NOW!!
We’re available 24/7
How GreasyMikes CLEAN Grease Interceptors
Greasy Mikes (by the Grease Company), offers a comprehensive and affordable grease interceptor cleaning and pumping service in Southern California. Our team of commercial plumbing experts is highly skilled and knowledgeable about the regulations established by the local municipalities. Our service includes a thorough video inspection, removing all FOG content, and disposing of the collected FOG and sludge. Upon completion of our service, we provide our clients with a detailed manifest FOGS certification report. TGC holds a license from the CDFA (California Department of Foods & Agriculture) to provide grease management and cooking oil recycling services throughout California. Our state-of-the-art FOG management technology ensures that we provide our customers with the best and most effective long-term grease interceptor solution.
The process of cleaning grease interceptors involves several steps that should be performed by a professional company that specializes in grease interceptor cleaning and pumping. Here is a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in cleaning a grease interceptor:
Inspection:
Our professional grease interceptor cleaning service begins with a thorough video inspection of the grease interceptor. For a complete cleaning operation, this level is essential to measure the level of grease and other solid waste. This inspection determines the frequency and extent of cleaning required.
Pumping:
Once the level of grease is determined, the interceptor will be pumped using a special pumping machine to remove all of the solid and liquid waste. We make sure all the solid waste along with sticky FOG are removed from inside the facility of the interceptor before jumping to the next step.
Scraping:
FOGS are sticky content that gets hardened over time. After pumping, we scape the interior of the grease interceptor to make sure any remaining grease and debris are removed completely.
Pressure Washing:
Finally, we shall use high pressurized water flow to clean the walls and floor of the interceptor, removing any remaining grease and buildup.
Disposing of the removed debris is also our responsibility: The waste removed from the grease interceptor is toxic and can damage our environment if disposed of improperly. Therefore, we take the responsibility of disposing of the FOG content we remove from grease interceptors. We take the grease and other waste to a government-authorized disposal ground for toxic contents.
It’s important to note that grease interceptors are large and complex devices and require expertise to handle. Grease interceptor cleaning is not a DIY project and should be performed by a professional grease management company that has lots of experience in its backpack. Attempting to clean the interceptor on your own or using an unqualified service can lead to ineffective cleaning, potential safety hazards, and environmental violations.