Having a grease trap is great — until it’s time to clean it.
Indeed, this device captures grease and other food bits so they don’t end up blocking your drain. It also traps bad smells from emanating from your drain. Opening it up to clean it out can release its scent, unless you know what you’re doing.
So, let’s learn how to clean a grease trap to keep sinks running smoothly — and kitchens smelling nice.
How to Clean a Grease Trap
In many cases, your best bet is to call in a professional for a grease trap service. They can quickly empty and refresh your grease trap so that it functions properly. They also know how to clean out a grease trap without releasing its stench into the kitchen.
However, if you do want to maintain your grease trap on your own, stick to these tips.
1. Remove the Lid
Start by pulling off your grease trap’s lid. This task is easier said than done.
You have to be gentle with it, since the lid is held in place by gaskets. Pull it too forcefully and you could break them, thus requiring you to buy new parts.
2. Measure the Grease
It’s good to know how much grease you’re dealing with before starting. Stick a ruler or wooden dowel into the grease to see how high up it comes.
3. Pour Out the Water
If you have standing water in your grease trap, pour that out. The grease will be slower moving, so don’t worry about tipping the trap and pouring the water into a bucket, for example.
4. Scoop the Grease
Now, it’s time to tackle the grease. Grab a shovel or another tool that will help you scoop. Then, start to shovel out your grease.
Scrape the sides of your grease trap, too. Remove as much debris as possible before moving onto step five.
5. Scrub the Inside of the Trap
You’ll need a little bit of elbow grease for this step. Scrub away any oily residue on the sides and bottom of your trap. You can use dish soap, baking soda, Castille soap and a number of other natural products to get rid of grease.
Keep It Clean
Now that you know how to clean a grease trap, you should also do your best to keep it as-is for as long as you can. So, avoid dumping oil down your drain. Stop food bits from falling into the trap, too — they can cause bad odors to bubble up to the surface, too.
Another way to protect your grease trap is to clean your drain regularly. It’s as easy as pouring one part baking soda down, followed by two parts vinegar. Let that sit for 15 minutes, then run hot water down to clear away residue.
And, if you need more help than that, we’ve got you covered. Connect with us today to fix your drain, grease trap or any other plumbing issues you may be facing.
