The sound business benefits of maintaining a clean grease trap in Maine

If you own a restaurant in Maine, you are required by law to maintain a grease trap. It works to filter out fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater and prevent it from entering the public sewer system. 

Regular maintenance is critical to ensuring a grease trap continues to function correctly. A licensed plumbing contractor from Plumbers 911 Maine can regularly clean your grease trap and ensure your drains are clean.

Here are a few reasons why maintaining a clean grease trap is critical to maintaining a successful restaurant in Maine and protecting your bottom line.

Avoid drainage backup

Grease traps filter the FOG in the water and food debris at the bottom. When properly maintained, the grease trap allows wastewater to filter into the drainage pipes. If you do not routinely clean your grease trap, FOG and other solid waste can build up and trigger a grease trap overflow, clogging your drains. As a result, you will need emergency service pumping and drain cleaning and likely need to do extensive property rehabilitation. 

If grease clogs your sewer system, it can back up the pipes, resulting in a disgusting backflow that can impact the local water system. If local authorities trace the problem back to your restaurant, you may face substantial fines.

Maintaining a clean grease trap by hiring a contractor from Plumbers 911 Maine ensures your drains are clean and is often the most cost effective option. 

Prevent disgusting odors

When FOG accumulates in your grease trap, it begins to decompose. The decomposition causes a rancid odor that can be noticeable to employees and customers. Dirty grease traps can also breed bacteria and mold. Foul-smelling odors from neglected grease traps are simply bad for business. They can drive away customers or make employees sick.

Avoid costly cleaning and repairs

When FOG builds up in a grease trap, it congeals in a thickened mess that can cause all sorts of problems. As the FOG thickens in a grease trap, it becomes increasingly difficult to clean or remove. The FOG can result in overflow and backwash, that could damage the kitchen or eventually reach your restaurant floor. Cleaning the problem can be expensive and time-consuming. You may need to replace broken pipes and the grease trap.

Reduce pollution

Maintaining a clean grease trap also is good for the environment. The overflow from a neglected grease trap can leak into the city’s pipeline and sewer, draining into grass and groundwater, which kills plants and wildlife. The overflow can also seep into your parking lot, disturbing your customers and the community. The built-up fat inside a grease trap can also attract pests such as cockroaches, drain flies and rats.

Avoid penalties and fines

Most cities and municipalities in Maine have coded regulations regarding restaurant grease trap maintenance. If you do not keep up with routine grease trap cleaning, you may fail inspections that could include fines. Local health departments may even shut down your business.

Need to clean a neglected grease trap? Call Plumbers 911 Maine

The best way to maintain your restaurant’s grease trap is to contract a local plumber schedule regular cleanings. We recommend cleaning your grease trap every 60 to 90 days, depending on the amount of grease you generate and the capacity of the grease trap. 

If you need grease trap cleaning, call Plumbers 911 Maine. We can connect you with licensed grease trap cleaning professionals.

All our Licensed Plumbers are highly trained and vetted. They are drug tested, insured and bonded. Find a local Plumbers 911 plumber in your area today!