Grease Trap Cleaning Tips And Video

Grease Traps. We thought it might be helpful to not only show you how to purchase them, but also how to maintain them after you've purchased them. In order to do that, we thought it would be easiest to make a short video giving some tips as to how to clean them. One thing to keep in mind as you watch this, government regulations differ depending on your location. Please make sure to check all city and state regulations as things will change (time in between required cleanings, amount, information recorded, etc.).

Grease Traps. We thought it might be helpful to not only show you how to purchase them, but also how to maintain them after you've purchased them. In order to do that, we thought it would be easiest to make a short video giving some tips as to how to clean them. One thing to keep in mind as you watch this, government regulations differ depending on your location. Please make sure to check all city and state regulations as things will change (time in between required cleanings, amount, information recorded, etc.).

Don't want to re-watch the video each time you have to clean out the ol' trap? I'm personally offended, but that's ok... here is a brief synopsis of the cleaning tips as made during the video. Remember, do NOT use extremely hot water or chemicals. This is also why you should never attach your grease trap directly to a dishwasher (at least, the automatic kind; on the other hand, Larry might not like being attached to a grease trap either). The hot water can break down the FOG which would allow it to be carried through the trap and into the sewer system. Chemicals can harm the natural bacteria which help to break down the grease more quickly.

1. Gather appropriate clothing & tools.
   • Old clothes or apron.
   • Rubber Gloves.
   • Face Mask (for smell).
   • Goggles.
   • 3/4" Wrench.
   • Putty Knife.
   • Trash Bag.
   • Kitty Litter or Shop Absorbent.
   • Scoop and/or Shop Vac.
   • 5 Gallon Bucket.
   • Grease Trap Maintenance Record Sheet (included as a link, just download and print!).
   
   
2. Use 3/4" wrench to unscrew bolt holding lid on grease trap (note: non-prima supply models may require a different size wrench); Remove lid.
   
3. Remove baffle, hold over grease trap and clean with putty knife.
   
4. Using scoop, skim fats, oils, and grease (FOG) off top of water and dump into trash bag (with absorbent material).
   
5. Scoop out or vacuum out water in grease trap and put in a bucket.
   
6. Take Putty Knife and scrape the grease trap sides to clean off all remaining residue. Then scoop all remaining solids and nastiness out of the bottom of the grease trap and deposit in the garbage bag. Add more absorbent if there is too much liquid in the bag.
   
7. Check all parts, ensuring that they are in working order. Take special notice of gasket liner on top of trap to ensure a good seal can be made.
   
8. Dump water from bucket back into grease trap. Dispose of waste in trash bag in the way specified by your local regulations.
   
9. Replace lid, screw on tightly.
   
10. Make notes and appropriate comments on Grease Trap Maintenance Record sheet.
    
11. Go take a long, long shower and pat yourself on the back.