What is a Grease Trap?

Did you know that around 500,000 tonnes of grease and fat enter the sewage system in the UK every single year?

The fats and oils in grease can damage water treatment facility equipment and can cause damage to the natural environment if allowed to enter the natural water supply. Grease can also damage commercial kitchen equipment, block drain pipes and lead to expensive repairs if not managed correctly.

A grease indictor to show when duct needs cleaned.

Because of this, there is strict UK legislation over Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) management in the food industry. It requires businesses to implement correct management of FOG. And that is why grease traps are so important.

Grease Traps (also known as Grease Interceptors, Catchers or FOG Traps), can be found in all forms of commercial kitchen including:

• Restaurants/Bars
• Hotel Kitchens
• Cafes
• Takeaways
• Education Facility Kitchens
• Commercial Food Production Facilities (such as bakeries)

How does a Grease Trap work?

The Fats, Oils and Greases captured by Grease Traps are around 10 – 15% less dense than water. And because the Grease, Oils and Fats don’t mix with water, a grease trap simply allows waste water into the system where it then cools and forms into the different layers.

Grease rises to the top, solids settle in the bottom. And the clear water fits in the middle where it can then be released through an outlet baffle. Simple.

Grease Traps have strainers that can collect solid debris and help ensure the system does not get blocked though Grease Traps must be cleaned and pumped out on a regular basis.

There are a variety of different types of Grease Trap available from Passive, Manual Systems that are commonly found in smaller kitchen facilities to Automatic Systems which operate in the same way but are more scalable and efficient, with lower running and servicing costs. And then there are Gravity Grease Traps which work using a passive hydromechanical system on a much larger capacity.

HF Mechanical Services

HF Mechanical is the division of HF providing plumbing, heating, ventilation, HVAC and refrigeration services. Delivering high quality solutions regardless of contract value or size, our business is based on our customers’ needs: that means professionalism, honesty and reliability, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We can design and fit ventilation and extraction systems, walk in fridges and cold storage rooms. Install gas cooking appliances, grease traps, water points and all relevant fire safety equipment among so much more.

From initial enquiry through to project completion, we appoint a manager who oversees the entire project and ensures every client need is met, every step of the way. In a world where customer service increasingly means call centres and multiple management, we believe ours is a refreshingly different approach.

If you would like to know more about our Mechanical Services, examples of the work we have done in this sector or if you have any questions about bespoke services, please call today on 0800 783 9480 or email info@hf-group.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you soon.