Do you suspect that you have a blocked grease trap and are unsure of the next steps? Fear not; in this blog post, we will explore the signs that suggest you have a blocked grease trap and what to do when it becomes blocked. Whether you’re dealing with a minor inconvenience or a major blockage, we’ve got the friendly tips and advice to help you maintain the optimal function of your system. Even if you don’t currently have a blocked grease trap, reading this article will arm you with all the information you need, if it does occur.
At Totally Blocked Ltd, we offer expert grease trap services to get you back up and running again. Don’t let a blocked grease trap get in the way of your business – get in touch with us today for fast and effective grease trap services!
What is a Grease Trap?
A grease trap is a plumbing device typically used in restaurant or hospitality kitchens to separate grease from wastewater. They are essential devices as a build-up of grease and oil will, over time, accumulate and solidify in the plumbing system, leading to blockages, clogged pipes, and potentially costly repairs. As the ramifications can be serious, it is a legal requirement for businesses that produce hot food commercially to appropriately manage their food waste. Which makes maintaining a grease trap an important task not to be missed.
What Are the Signs of a Blocked Grease Trap?
A blocked grease trap occurs when the line gets clogged with collected fat, oil, and grease. This will then lead to a backup of fluids, which could then lead to wastewater spills that could potentially contaminate water systems. It could also lead to drainage spills in your premises, which could cause untold damage and potential health risks. By recognising the signs of a blocked grease trap, you can act quickly and stop further complications from arising. Here are some common signs that you have a blocked grease trap…
Gurgling noises
If you notice sounds emitting from your sink or drainage, it’s often a sign that there is a blockage which may be caused by a blocked grease trap. The noises are often air getting trapped in the system due to the blockages. While the sound itself may seem minor, it can indicate a blocked grease trap and ignoring it can lead to increased pressure in the pipes, potentially resulting in leaks or a burst pipe.
Slow drainage
If you notice that water is slower to drain in the kitchen sink, it could be an early indication that there may be a blockage which could be caused by a blocked grease trap. If left unaddressed, this can lead to severe blockages and even overflowing drains, which can be expensive and disruptive. Early drain unblocking services can save you from the drastic consequences of a blocked grease trap.
Visible grease buildup
A blocked grease trap may cause visible grease buildup around the drains of kitchen sinks. This is usually a clear indicator that your grease trap is not working optimally and requires immediate attention from a professional.
Unpleasant smell
Blocked grease traps will typically cause your drains to emit an unpleasant smell, which will be particularly noticeable the closer you get to the drain. The smell emitted is caused by blocked grease starting to decompose in the pipes and will get worse until it is remedied by a professional.
Overflowing drain
A blocked grease trap can be indicated by an overflowing drain from the sink – this is an extreme case and requires immediate attention. Not only are these instances unpleasant, but they can also cause significant damage to your premises and can even pose health risks. Addressing the problem as early as possible minimises the risk of contamination and structural damage to your business premises. If you need emergency drainage services, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
What should you do if you suspect that you have a blocked grease trap?
There’s nothing quite as stressful as realising your business is facing a drainage emergency. Whether it’s a flooded kitchen or the blockage causing nasty odours, these issues often happen when we least expect them, and at the most inconvenient times. This is where knowing exactly what to do (and who to call) becomes essential. Time is of the essence in these situations, and the right response can stop a minor issue from turning into a full-blown crisis.
- Assess the Situation
First and foremost, make a note of all the different signs that you have a blocked grease trap. This will help you identify the source of the problem and communicate clearly with the professionals upon contact. Look for signs such as:
- Gurgling sounds in pipes
- Water backing up in sinks
- Foul odours
Make a note of where the issue is occurring, whether it’s just in the kitchen or affecting other areas in the premises. If possible, check outside drains and manholes to see if they are overflowing also. This will help our emergency team respond more effectively and quickly once on site.
- Isolate Electrical Risks
If any part of your emergency involves flooding near electrical sockets, switches, or appliances, steer clear. You must not touch any electrical appliances or exposed wiring in flooded areas, as doing so could result in electrocution. If safe to do so, turn off the power to the affected area. If you cannot reach the fuse box safely, wait for professionals who are trained in electrical safety.
- Turn Off the Water Supply (If possible)
If there is a drainage issue that is causing water to flood into your premises, locate your main water valve and turn it off. Make sure all taps are turned off, and avoid using appliances that require water, such as dishwashers. This can prevent further water damage and lower the incidence of health risks, especially if the issue stems from a burst pipe due to a build-up of grease. Switching off the water supply also allows our professionals to work on the system without additional water being introduced.
- Avoid DIY Drain Clearing (In Emergencies)
It is very tempting to grab the plunger or pour drain cleaner down the sink, but in an emergency, this could make the situation worse. In many cases, DIY methods only clear a superficial blockage and can’t resolve the deeper problem in the system, especially in the case of blocked grease traps. You may potentially risk pushing the blockage further down the pipework, making it harder to remove.
- Call the Experts
This is where Totally Blocked comes in handy. We offer 24/7 emergency services, with engineers ready to help at a moment’s notice. We don’t just unblock grease traps and drains; we fix the problem at its source and put steps in place to prevent it from recurring.
Our teams are fully equipped with the latest machinery and specialist tools to deal with even the most complex issues. By contacting us right away, you’re reducing the disruption in your business services, preventing further damage to your premises, and ensuring your system is in the hands of trained professionals.
- Document the Damage
If your blocked grease trap has led to water damage in your premises, it’s useful to document it for insurance purposes. Take clear photographs of the affected areas before any clean-up or repair work occurs. Try to find the time to make a written note of what happened whilst it is still clear in your memory, including times and what actions you took. These records can be vital when making an insurance claim and may help you recover costs associated with repairs or replacements.
Remember, calling the right experts at the right time makes all the difference. At Totally Blocked Drainage Solutions, we’re always just a phone call away, ready to restore your business services and your peace of mind. Contact us today!
The Importance of Emergency Grease Trap Services
Time is everything when it comes to drainage emergencies. A delay of even an hour can mean the difference between a small repair and extensive, costly damage to your business premises. One of the most pressing concerns is protecting your business premises. Flooding from a blocked grease trap can impact flooring, walls, units and appliances in a matter of minutes.
Rapid emergency services for a blocked grease trap will help to reduce long-term repair costs. While emergency callouts may seem like a larger expense upfront, they often prevent much more extensive (and expensive) damage in the long run. The earlier a problem is identified and addressed, the less you’ll have to spend replacing structural components, appliances, or even entire sections of plumbing.
Plus, the consequences of a blocked grease trap can bring business operations to a halt, disrupting your services and potentially costing you income. A quick response ensures any service disruption is kept to a minimum.
Lastly, one of the most overlooked but key benefits of acting quickly is peace of mind. Knowing that professionals are on the case means you can stop worrying and start focusing on your business needs. With a trusted service like ours, you’re never alone in a drainage emergency. We’re here to guide you through every step.
How Can We Help?
At Totally Blocked, we specialise in handling these types of high-stress, time-sensitive situations. Our experienced drainage engineers are available 24/7, offering specialised emergency services for commercial properties. With quality equipment and decades of hands-on experience, we’re the company to turn to when you have a blocked grease trap.
We offer an emergency call-out service to businesses for maintenance and repair, giving you peace of mind that your drainage system is 100% functional and in optimal condition. You can trust that your blocked grease trap will be dealt with swiftly and professionally, reducing any delay to your business services.
Our dedicated team understands the importance of causing minimal disruption to your business services, working efficiently and discreetly to ensure your operations continue smoothly. Our 24-hour emergency call-out service ensures that we’ll be there in a flash if there’s a blocked grease trap emergency on your commercial premises. With our rapid response and expert solutions, you can count on us to resolve issues promptly and effectively, helping you maintain a professional and functional environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grease Traps
How often should I have my grease traps maintained?
The frequency of grease trap maintenance will vary depending on factors such as usage, the age of the system, and the presence of any issues. We recommend regular grease trap maintenance to prevent blockages and maintain optimal performance.
What businesses or places should have a grease trap?
It is a legal requirement for businesses that produce hot food commercially to appropriately manage their food waste. Therefore, restaurants, cafes, takeaway facilities, pubs, bars, hotels, educational settings, bakeries, food processing facilities, hospitals and anywhere else that has a commercial or industrial kitchen must have a grease trap.
Can I perform grease trap cleaning myself?
While some small issues can be addressed with DIY methods, professional grease trap cleaning is recommended to avoid potential damage to your grease trap system and plumbing system.
How long does grease trap cleaning take?
The duration of grease trap cleaning depends on the severity of the blockage and the method used. Simple blockages may be resolved in a short time, while more complex issues might take longer.
Totally Blocked Ltd is your local expert when it comes to blocked grease traps. To find out more, call our team on 01243 602 841 or fill out our contact form.