fiberglass grease trap

Types of fiberglass grease traps

A fiberglass grease trap is a plumbing device designed to interceptgrease, oils, and fats (FOG) before they enter the public sewer system or on-site waste disposal systems. They are usually manufactured from materials such as cast iron, plastic, or fiberglass. Among these materials, the fiberglass grease trap has become popular, especially in restaurants and commercial kitchens, because of its ability to withstand heavy-duty applications, temperature changes, and corrosive substances.

Grease traps are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit various needs, including up to five chambers for very large kitchens and establishments. Businesses can select between external grease traps that are often positioned below the kitchen floor or external to the building, or inline grease traps that are built into the plumbing system. For large kitchens with high volumes of wastewater, external/underground grease traps with a large capacity are usually considered as they can hold up to 1,100 liters of FOG. In contrast, inline or external grease traps are suitable for kitchens with a relatively lower FOG volume.

The functioning principle of the grease trap is quite simple and allows the separation of greases and oils from water. In basic terms, the trap comprises a tank with an inlet and outlet. Once the wastewater enters the tank through the inlet pipe, the water settles at the bottom of the tank, while the grease floats to the top and forms a layer of foam. The separation occurs because of the difference in density between water and grease.

Generally, a fiberglass grease trap performs three main functions: separating grease, solids, and sludge; storing grease and sludge; and allowing the proper disposal of the contents. Once the grease trap performs its job, the FOG material needs to be disposed of properly and regularly to avoid any blockage or contaminations.

Specification and maintenance of fiberglass grease traps

Specification

The dimension and capacity of fiberglass grease traps vary according to commercial needs.

• Normally, the length ranges from 36 to 72 inches, and the width ranges from 18 to 42 inches.
• As for the depth, it is usually between 24 and 36 inches.
• For small to medium commercial kitchens, the trap can hold between 20 and 100 gallons.
• For large-scale restaurants, hotels, and food processing factories, the capacity can reach up to 1,200 gallons or even more.

In addition to dimension and capacity, the flow rate is also an essential parameter of fiberglass grease traps. It shows the volume of water the trap can filter out of the system within an hour. The flow rate of fiberglass grease traps are usually between 10 and 150 gallons per minute (GPM).

Additionally, the structure of fiberglass grease traps is basically the same. They all have the inlet, baffle, outlet, chamber, and access doors for cleaning.

Maintenance

• Regular inspections: Inspect the overall conditions of the grease trap regularly. Check if any damages or leaks are present in the grease trap. Inspect the function of the inlet and outlet pipes, too. Make sure there is no clogging or abnormal flow.
• Cleaning and emptying: Grease traps are supposed to be cleaned and emptied on a regular basis, too. Normally, this is done by professional services. Nevertheless, business buyers can also establish a maintenance schedule according to their own usage needs. Hiring professional services to help with the cleaning and emptying can ensure the trap functions properly. Besides, it can help avoid any potential hazards.

Applications of fiberglass grease traps

Restaurants and commercial kitchens are major application areas for fiberglass traps. These food service establishments generate a significant amount of grease when cooking. By installing fiberglass grease traps at their premises, restaurant owners can comply with local regulations while preventing costly plumbing issues caused by grease buildup in pipes.

Food processing facilities also utilize fiberglass traps to manage the large volumes of grease produced during food manufacturing processes. Without proper grease management systems like fiberglass traps, these facilities would face major challenges with maintaining sanitary plumbing systems.

Event venues such as stadiums can benefit from having fiberglass grease traps installed. During sporting events or concerts held at such venues, thousands of people are served fried foods which results in massive amounts of grease being disposed of down the drains. This puts a strain on the drainage system and increases the risk of pipe blockages. Installing a fiberglass trap helps capture the grease before it enters the drainage system, protecting it from potential damage.

Supermarkets with in-house delis and bakeries are examples of businesses that produce a considerable amount of grease during their operations. Supermarkets often prepare and sell fried foods such as donuts, chicken, and other greasy delicacies. This makes them candidates for requiring effective grease management systems like fiberglass traps. By having these traps installed, supermarkets can safeguard their plumbing network from grease-related issues.

How to choose fiberglass grease traps

Both fiberglass and non-fiberglass grease trap interceptor are effective. Many business buyers consider some factors before buying grease traps.

• Building local business

  Most businesses want to work with local service providers. They want to find businesses that can provide good-quality products and services quickly. Buyers can avoid lengthy shipping processes and additional import expenses if they choose local suppliers. Consider local suppliers who can provide the needed products.

• Quality

  Only settle for a really good trap. Bad-quality traps will crack, break, corrode or get damaged easily. Choose good-quality materials like fiberglass, which is robust and durable. Poor installation and maintenance can reduce the product’s lifespan. Choose products with good warranties to be safer.

• Product variety

  It’s great to work with suppliers offering many product options. It makes it easy for buyers to meet their customers’ different needs. Buyers will find products with various specifications, including sizes, capacities, and features. Also, buyers get distinct product advantages and competitive pricing.

• Planning

  A grease trap's capacity dictates how many customers a buyer can support. Small capacity traps are perfect for coffee shops and cafes, while larger sizes are more appropriate for hospitals, restaurants, and hotels. Consider working with suppliers that have both small and large options, as this leaves buyers with many choices to offer to customers.

Fiberglass grease trap Q&A

Q: How big of a grease trap do I need?

A: This is dependent on the flow rate of the kitchen in which the grease trap will be installed. The flow rate is calculated by multiplying the number of fixtures by the units shown in the table below. Then, the total gallons per day must be converted to gallons per minute. The grease trap must be able to handle the grease per minute.

Q: What happens if a grease trap is not emptied?

A: Over time, the grease trap will fill up with grease, oil, fat, and sludge. If it is not emptied, the fiberglass grease trap will become full and functional, which can cause a big problem. Excess water will start flowing into the drainpipe, and grease and food particles will flush into the municipal sewer system, causing it to clog. The local authority may have to intervene to clear the blockage, and they will trace it back to the source, which is the unemptied grease trap. The business owner will be fined.

Q: How often should a grease trap be emptied?

A: If the grease trap is in a commercial kitchen, it should be emptied once a month, but this can vary depending on the amount of grease and food particles that accumulate in the trap. If the unit is in a home, it can be emptied once every 5 years in domestic settings.

Q: Can I install a grease trap myself?

A: It is always best to let the professionals install the grease trap. However, if they are not code-required, the owner can carry out the installation themselves. Proper installation is important if the trap will function well, so if in doubt, it is always better to be safe than sorry and call the experts.