What is a Grease Trap?

Grease Traps, also known as grease interceptors or fat traps, are easy-to-fit plumbing devices. They capture (or trap) cooking fats, oils and grease (FOGs) before they enter the central drainage system. Food service establishments such as takeaways and restaurants generate FOGs during day-to-day business. Usually, it happens when washing and cleaning utensils and equipment.

Stainless steel or similar is the robust material that makes passive grease traps. Additionally, they are an essential kitchen device which helps safely capture this waste product. Put simply, Grease Traps are one of the most cost-effective ways to trap FOGs. They are widely considered a must-have for all UK commercial kitchens.

Grease Traps Stop Drain Blockages

Did you know water companies in 2023 are more active than ever in tackling ‘fatbergs’ or public sewer blockages? In September 2023, Severn Trent Water announced they recruited 300 new staff to cope with drain blockages.

Every year, South West Water deals with 8500 blockages costing millions of pounds. Purchasing a passive or gravity-fed grease trap can help massively reduce FOGs entering your immediate drains and public sewers. Grease Traps only use water flow to separate FOGs. They are low-cost to buy and easy to maintain. Equally, they are also practically free to run, which is welcome news for many!

Do I need a Grease Trap?

You will require a grease trap or management system if you produce hot food commercially. Building regulations 2.21 Part H stipulate that ‘Drainage serving kitchens in commercial hot food premises should be fitted with a grease separator.. or other effective means of grease removal‘. Correctly sizing, installing and servicing a grease trap is therefore very important to be compliant. Also, to protect public sewers from blockages. The benefit of using a passive gravity grease trap is that no electricity is required. As such, they are often much cheaper to buy.

Different Types

Furthermore, an under sink commercial grease trap does not require expensive parts and servicing. It simply relies on the gravity flow of water. You’ll find everything you need at Grease Trap Store for a commercial kitchen grease trap interceptor. Please choose from our range of indoor under sink stainless steel models starting from 20 litres. Try our epoxy-coated grease traps if you require a more rugged, weatherproof outdoor fat trap. They are also suitable for underground. Prices start from as little as £140 + VAT with free UK next-day delivery.

Are Grease Traps More Important Than Ever?

Grease is becoming a huge problem. More people eat out than ever before, so more fat must be disposed of. But how does FOG become a problem? Well, FOGs are approximately 10-15% less dense than water, and once cooled, FOGs will begin to thicken and harden. It is at this point that it becomes a significant concern. At the time when you are pouring grease into the drainage system, it may seem trivial. After all, it’s likely to be hot liquid still. However, after a short cooling period, this liquid grease will solidify.

FOG’s and Grease Traps

As FOGs solidify, they line drain pipework and cause blockages. Blocked drains can quickly become a nightmare for businesses and the public alike. Drains can overflow, potentially damaging property. In addition, there is a significant environmental concern of contamination of local bodies of water. The fines are hefty if a business is found guilty of abusing public sewer systems or water supply. It also attracts substantial negative PR. Also, Grease traps help trap this grease and ensure FOGs do not become a problem.

Grease Interceptors

Grease interceptors, also known as fat traps and passive grease traps, are relatively simple devices. They serve a huge purpose. A simple, well-sized fat trap can save you time and money in the long run. Buying from Grease Trap Store guarantees you’ll receive excellent quality at an affordable price.

The grease trap will pay for itself multiple times over. Especially when compared to plumbing costs should a severe problem arise from a grease-related blockage or overflow. Shop for grease traps now for rapid next-day delivery!

Who should have a Grease Trap Installed?

If you are a food service establishment serving or preparing hot food at your premises, you require a grease trap or other grease management policy in place. Equally, Building regulations and obligations to your local water provider apply to large and small businesses alike.

We have compiled examples of businesses and authorities that would require a grease trap to be fitted if serving hot food:

• Chip shops
• Small, independent, low daily cover restaurants
• Large chain, high daily cover restaurants
• Hotels and guest houses
• Public houses, bars and cafes
• Fast food restaurants and takeaways
• Hospitals and health care facilities
• Care homes
• Hot food processing companies
• Bakeries
• Any other hot food producing commercial kitchen

Buying a Grease Trap

Buying a grease trap for as little as £140 from a reputable company such as Grease Trap Store is a great investment.  Grease Traps are designed to last years. Like all of our stainless steel grease traps, they come with 5 year warranty. This will give you peace of mind coupled with security. Not to mention, you are actively capturing waste FOG’s that would otherwise block your drains.

It is very important to know that if you are proven to actively flout local regulations or pollute waterways, you stand a real risk of prosecution.  Water companies throughout the United Kingdom are keener than ever to help businesses, most of whom are law-abiding, remain compliant and on the right side of the law.

Grease Trap News

According to recent news, during this year alone, Severn Trent Water has prevented over 500,000 litres of FOG from blocking public drains. Could you imagine receiving a call or getting a visit from your Local Authority advising your establishment has blocked the main drain supply? Or, because you didn’t have grease management in place, you are liable for the damage and repairs? Ouch, this could cripple your business!

When a water inspector next visits your restaurant or food service establishment, you will want to have a clear grease management plan already in place.  Furthermore, when speaking with our customers, Grease Trap Store advises documenting all cleans and keeping them safe so this can be produced if asked.  We’re passionate about protecting drains from fatbergs and your business from prosecution. Contact us today to see how we can help your business.