We believe we have mentioned several times that grease, fats and sludge are bad for your septic system. Over time, these things can accumulate inside the system and result to blockages that will disrupt the flow of sewage inside the pipes or clog the septic tank. For these very reasons, grease traps are valuable parts of a plumbing system. They are specifically designed to contain these substances and prevent them from getting into your drainage and septic systems. However, you should know that in order for grease traps to work properly and efficiently, they must be maintained and cleaned regularly, too. If you’re wondering how this process is done, read on and find out!
1. The grease trap’s lid will be pried open with a bar. This should be done properly to avoid damaging the gaskets that are installed just right under the lid. If these are damaged, they should be replaced immediately.
2. After the removal of the cover, the components of the grease trap will be inspected. They will be removed and replaced for cleaning.
3. Moving forward, a wooden dowel or some sort of measuring stick will be inserted into the trap. This will be gently pushed down to the bottom of the container and swirled lightly for the plumber to measure the amount of sludge and grease inside the trap.
4. The dowel will be removed and a tape measure will be used to identify how many inches of sludge are there. The value will be recorded for the report issued by the EPA.
5. After the measurement is taken, a small bucket will be used to scoop out the water from the grease trap. The waste materials will be collected and then disposed properly later on.
6. The solidified waste will be removed as well. It will be transferred into a water-tight container to avoid spilling.
7. Now there should be some waste residues lining the sides of the trap. These will be scraped off as well. To clean the trap better, a dry / wet vacuum will be used to siphon out smaller pieces of waste materials.
8. Afterward, the trap’s lids, sides and components will be cleaned and washed with soap and tap water. A steel scrubber should help eradicate any remaining waste inside the trap. The components of the trap will be flushed with water to get rid of the soap and other debris.
9. Once all cleaned up, the parts of the grease traps will be re-installed one by one. Finally, the lid will be put back onto the trap and secured.
We hope that you learned a lot about grease trap emptying. If you need your grease traps cleaned today, call Plumbers 911 Washington DC. We promise to refer only the best emergency plumber in Rockville that provides exceptional septic tank cleaning in Rockville, drain cleaning in Rockville, garbage disposal repair in Rockville and repairs for clogged toilet in Rockville. Call us at (877) 932-5325 to schedule a service!
Meanwhile, watch this video to get tips on how you should hire the right plumber in Washington DC!
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