At A-1 Total Service Plumbing, we know a thing or two about clogged drains caused by grease. We are the experts in drain cleaning in Los Angeles, CA, and our team has seen it all.
A clogged drain can be a major source of headaches, leading to backups and flooding when neglected and ignored. If you manage a commercial property, you already know that any of these things mean bad news for your employees and customers. While it’s impossible to prevent all grease from going down drains, especially when dealing with lots of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) in commercial kitchens, there are some ways to prevent grease buildup in your plumbing system.
Clean Your Grease Interceptor and Trap Regularly
Grease interceptors and grease traps are designed to capture FOG before it enters the main drainage system. While these devices are efficient, they must be cleaned regularly to ensure they don’t become clogged. The frequency of cleaning depends on your specific system and the amount of grease you generate, but our drain cleaning company generally recommends having the device cleaned out every 1-3 months.
Employ an Inspection Schedule
Another way to avoid needing emergency drain cleaning is to put an inspection schedule in place. The average life expectancy of grease traps is about five to seven years, depending on usage. You’ll want to schedule inspections regularly to check for any signs of corrosion or cracks. This will help you detect and fix problems quickly, before they lead to more significant issues.
Educate Employees on Grease Disposal
Ensure everyone knows what can and cannot be put down the drain. Stubborn blockages often require professional drain snaking, but it’s best to prevent this from happening in the first place. Tell staff to never pour grease or FOGs down the sink, scrape leftover food from plates into a container before washing them in the sink, and pour used cooking oil in a sealed container when it is no longer needed.
Pay Attention to Rubber Gaskets at Pinch Points
Rubber gaskets are designed to provide a tight seal around connectors, such as at the pumps and valves leading in and out of your grease interceptor. Check these points regularly, as worn-out gaskets could cause grease leakage into the rest of your plumbing system. If this happens, call our drain cleaning services immediately, as the grease buildup will need to be cleared out quickly.
At A-1 Total Service Plumbing, we help keep your drains clean and free-flowing. Whether you need a hydro jetting service or regular maintenance on your grease traps, our team is always ready to provide quality solutions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
