There are few things more embarrassing than seeing patrons leave your restaurant, holding their nose at the putrid smell of a sewage overflow. If you have a septic tank, you might even have waste seeping into the environment surrounding your restaurant. At this point, there is no question about when to hire a plumber; it has to be done immediately.
The reason for leakages like these is usually an overloaded grease trap. A grease trap is a plumbing device that is designed to catch fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that flow through a sink. A grease trap is not directly connected to the drain, but is placed near the water flow control valve. As the water passes through the drain, it is cooled before it reaches the trap, and as a result, FOG rises to the top and other food debris sinks to the bottom of the trap. If there is an excess of FOG and debris in the trap, it will stop working and the process will reverse, sending waste water back up through the sewage system.
In addition to sewage overflow, you could face heavy fines from the city. FOG overloads in a drain could risk the health and sanitation of other city residents as well. If you own a large restaurant, it is recommended that you install a sizable trap, but ultimately the decision will be affected by city rules. There are particular city codes that have to be followed for new grease trap installation, such as proper clean out ports and ventilation for your trap. By ignoring the suggested size and type of grease trap, your city could fine you up to $2,000 per day until you install the right kind, like one bakery owner in Palm Beach, Florida.
Regardless of the size of the grease trap, it is important to schedule regular grease trap maintenance. Grease trap cleaning services have commercial plumbers that use heavy duty cleaners that cut through FOG, and restore the device to working condition. They can also replace the grease trap if necessary.
So if you think your grease trap is getting overloaded and you are wondering when to hire a plumber, or if you should wait, wonder no more. Hire a plumber as soon as possible and do not wait until the worst case scenario leaves you and your patrons cringing at that awful smell.
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