As a restaurant owner, grocery store manager, or employee at any other type of commercial food establishment, you understand the importance of a grease interceptor and keeping it properly maintained. When fats, oil, and grease enter the sewer lines, they cool, become solidified, and attach to the inside of the pipes. Over time, enough buildup can occur to form an obstruction, causing sewage to back up. To prevent this from happening, professional grease interceptor installation and routine maintenance are required.
Oregon Oils works with a wide range of clients in the Portland, Oregon, metro area, and southern Washington, including Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Castle Rock, Kalama, Kelso, La Center, Longview, Ridgefield, Tacoma, Vancouver, Olympia, Tumwater, and Woodland. Learn more about how to clean grease interceptors through our team of professionals.
What Is a Grease Interceptor?
The grease interceptor is a large device, typically made from concrete, that works to separate fats, oils, and grease from wastewater before it enters the sewer system. The grease interceptor is generally located outside and underground. With multiple compartments, this vital component works to separate grease and solids from kitchen wastewater by allowing it to flow between compartments. As greasy wastewater enters the interceptor, it cools down. During this time, fats, oils, grease, and solids separate from the wastewater, permitting it to flow freely into the sewer system.
How We Clean Grease Interceptors
To ensure grease interceptors are functioning properly, they must be serviced regularly. The frequency of service is determined based on several different factors, such as interceptor capacity, food type, restaurant or kitchen volume, and mandated ordinances. In most cases, Oregon Oils recommends they be serviced at least every 90 days. If your establishment features a smaller, indoor interceptor, our team suggests that it be cleaned every 30 days.
The professional cleaning services offered by Oregon Oils include a thorough inspection of your unit where we’ll examine every aspect of the interceptor for quality assurance. Additionally, our in-depth cleaning process includes the following:
- Remove manhole covers, as well as bolts (if necessary).
- Take out any debris from the top of the interceptor and skim the entire grease cap.
- Insert a vacuum tube into the grease interceptor and extract the remaining solids from the bottom.
- Vacuum the water out of the interceptor.
- Give the sides of the interceptor a deep cleaning.
- After the interceptor has been completely cleaned, inspect it for cracks and other defects.
- Examine the remaining aspects of the interceptor, ensuring there are no clogs, loose parts, or damage.
- If the interceptor features a sample box, open it and clean the inside.
- Securely put back manhole covers and reinstall bolts, if needed.
- Tidy up the area around the grease interceptor and clean any spills that may have occurred during the cleaning process.
- Record the cleaning service to keep on file for future reference.
The Importance of Grease Interceptor Maintenance
Efficient grease interceptor maintenance is crucial for a kitchen. If neglected, this component can cause major issues for food establishments, including foul-smelling odors, loss of business, and costly repairs. Other reasons for routine grease interceptor maintenance include:
Stops Clogging from Occurring
A clean grease interceptor prevents clogs and backups from developing. If too much fat, oil, and grease accumulate, the unit can experience reduced functionality and lead to serious health hazards.
Save Money on Repairs
Oftentimes, it costs less money to maintain interceptors than to repair them. A clogged grease interceptor is highly susceptible to malfunctions. This can lead to emergency repairs and a closed establishment, both of which can be costly to many businesses.
Helps Preserve the Environment
The purpose of a grease interceptor is to prevent contaminants from reaching waterways and drainage systems. Not maintaining your interceptor can lead to it malfunctioning and harming the environment.
Receive Professional Grease Interceptor Services from Oregon Oils
Help keep your commercial kitchen operating smoothly with the professional grease interceptor cleaning services from the experts at Oregon Oils. Serving customers in the Portland, OR, metro area, and southern WA, our maintenance services will ensure your interceptor is functioning properly and allow your business to operate accordingly. To learn more about our services in Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Castle Rock, Kalama, Kelso, La Center, Longview, Ridgefield, Tacoma, Vancouver, Olympia, Tumwater, and Woodland, or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.