What Is A Grease Trap?

Grease Traps are a part of the kitchen system that captures fat, oil and grease (FOG) from the waste water flow. The FOG is stored in the trap, which is actually a tank, ranging from 10 gallons to 1,000 gallons or more depending on local plumbing code requirements. Small inside traps are usually located in the kitchen floor preparation areas or near dishwashers. This type of grease trap requires frequent maintenance and is typically ineffective. Larger outside grease traps are usually located a few feet from the building exterior in parking, driveway, or delivery areas. While outside grease traps are more effective, they also require periodic maintenance. Prevention is the key.

The grease trap works by slowing down the FOG and allowing it to cool. As the hot water cools, the FOG separates and floats to the top of the grease trap. The cooler water continues to flow down the pipe to the sewer. The FOG is actually trapped by "baffles." There are several designs preventing grease flowing out of the trap and into the municipal sewer system.

Chicago area Morning Noon and Night's expert service personnel will thoroughly clean and inspect your system. Grease traps need to be serviced regularly to significantly reduce the suspended solids that can flow into the sewer. If these solids build up beyond the allowed specifications, there maybe a surcharge from your local sewer district.

Remember, preventative maintenance goes a long way! Call us today for your residential and business plumbing needs.

Plumbing Tips For Kitchens And Bathrooms

"April showers bring May flowers"-- and the onset of spring. This means it's time for "spring cleaning." Don't limit spring cleaning to what can only be seen, your home's plumbing needs some TLC too!

Kitchen and Bathrooms

1.Check faucets for drips or leaks. Make repairs to save water. A drippy faucet can be costly and cause pungent odors and can turn in to deadly toxins.

2.Ensure that all drains have strainers to prevent hair, soap and debris from clogging the drain lines. This simple preventative maintenance can save thousands in the long run.

3.Check toilets for hidden leaks. Add six drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the toilet is leaking; color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes. If it is in fact leaking, call us!

4.Inspect tank and bowl for cracks or leaks. Porcelain is durable, but when it is compromised, the structure is drastically weakened.

5.Exercise water supply valves under sinks and toilets to prevent them from sticking. Corrosion can render them useless if you let it go.

6.Make sure toilets flush properly. If the handle must be held down for a thorough flush or jiggled to stop the water from running you may need to replace worn tank parts. They're inexpensive and you'll notice a lower water bill. Jiggling the handle is never a fix.

7.Clean mineral deposits from shower head. Unscrew it and soak in vinegar or fill a plastic baggie with vinegar; place it over the shower head and hold in place with a rubber band. Soak overnight then remove and gently scrub with an old toothbrush to remove deposits. Again, preventative maintenance goes a long way!

For additional tips and assistance in keeping your home's plumbing system running in tip-top shape, contact Chicago area Morning Noon and Night Plumbing at 773-880-0072.