Grease Trap Cleaning

In Calgary, businesses like restaurants, cafes, and food processing facilities are required by law to maintain their grease traps regularly. Beyond the legal obligations, regular cleaning offers several critical benefits:

• Prevents costly clogs and backups: Grease buildup can obstruct your pipes and lead to expensive repairs.
• Improves hygiene: A clean grease trap reduces foul odors and helps maintain a sanitary environment.
• Ensures compliance with local regulations: Failing to properly maintain your grease trap can result in fines or penalties.
• Protects the environment: Regular cleaning helps prevent FOG from contaminating Calgary’s wastewater system and local waterways.

For businesses in Calgary, routine grease trap cleaning is essential for smooth operations and compliance.

The frequency of grease trap cleaning depends on several factors, including:

• Size of the grease trap
• Volume of FOG produced
• Local Calgary regulations

Typically, grease traps should be cleaned every 1 to 3 months. However, high-volume restaurants may require more frequent cleanings. A licensed grease trap cleaning service can assess your specific needs and recommend an appropriate cleaning schedule.

Professional grease trap cleaning is a multi-step process designed to ensure thorough removal of all grease and solids. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

• Assessment and scheduling: The service provider will evaluate your grease trap and determine how often it needs cleaning.
• Grease and solid removal: A specialized vacuum truck is used to suction out the accumulated grease and solids.
• Scraping and cleaning: After the majority of the grease is removed, the interior of the grease trap is scraped clean to remove any remaining residue.
• Inspection: The grease trap is inspected for signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or corrosion.
• Reassembly and testing: Once cleaned and inspected, the grease trap is reassembled and tested to ensure proper functioning.
• Documentation: Detailed records of the cleaning are provided, which are essential for compliance with Calgary’s health and safety regulations.

Professional grease trap cleaning ensures your trap operates efficiently and meets all local requirements.

If you operate a business in Calgary, it’s important to recognize the signs that your grease trap needs cleaning:

• Foul odors: A bad smell coming from your drains or kitchen area is a clear indication of grease buildup in the trap.
• Slow drainage: If your sinks or drains are slow to empty, it could be a sign that your grease trap is nearing capacity.
• Frequent clogs: Persistent blockages may indicate that your grease trap is full or not functioning properly.
• Grease buildup outside the trap: If you notice grease accumulating in areas it shouldn’t be, it’s time for a cleaning.
• Overflowing trap: A full grease trap can cause wastewater to back up, leading to serious hygiene issues.

Regular cleaning can prevent these issues, keeping your business operating smoothly.

While it may be tempting to clean your own grease trap to save costs, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional service. Grease trap cleaning requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure that the job is done thoroughly and safely.

Attempting to clean the trap yourself can lead to incomplete removal of grease and solids, and improper disposal of FOG can result in fines or environmental damage.

In Calgary, using a licensed grease trap cleaning service ensures that the cleaning is performed according to local regulations, and all waste is disposed of responsibly.

The cost of grease trap cleaning in Calgary varies depending on factors like the size of the trap, the frequency of cleaning, and the amount of grease buildup. On average, you can expect to pay between $150 to $500 per cleaning.

Regular cleaning schedules can help reduce overall costs by preventing severe blockages that require more extensive (and expensive) services like hydro jetting or pipe repairs.

It’s advisable to get a quote from a licensed Calgary grease trap cleaning service to get a better idea of the specific costs for your business.

In Calgary, businesses in the food and hospitality sector are required to install and maintain grease traps as part of their plumbing system. The City of Calgary’s Wastewater Bylaw outlines the regulations for grease trap maintenance, including:

• Regular cleaning and maintenance: Businesses must ensure that their grease traps are regularly serviced to prevent FOG from entering the sewer system.
• Record keeping: Detailed records of grease trap cleaning and maintenance must be kept and made available for inspection.
• Proper disposal of FOG: All grease and solids removed from the grease trap must be disposed of at a licensed waste treatment facility.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and penalties, as well as costly repairs for any damage caused to Calgary’s sewer system.

Improper disposal of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) can have a significant environmental impact in Calgary:

• Sewer system damage: When FOG enters the sewer system, it can solidify and create blockages, leading to sewage overflows and expensive repairs.
• Waterway contamination: Grease can contaminate local water sources, harming aquatic life and the environment.
• Increased operational costs: Clogged sewer systems require more frequent maintenance and repairs, leading to increased costs for the city and taxpayers.

By properly maintaining your grease trap, you help protect Calgary’s environment and reduce the strain on the city’s wastewater system.

Preventing grease trap issues starts with good maintenance practices and responsible use of your plumbing system. Here are some tips for keeping your grease trap in top condition:

• Schedule regular cleanings: Stick to a consistent cleaning schedule to prevent grease buildup.
• Dispose of grease properly: Avoid pouring grease down the drain. Instead, collect it in containers and dispose of it at a licensed facility.
• Use drain screens: Install screens in your sinks to catch food particles and solids before they enter the grease trap.
• Train staff: Educate your employees on the importance of proper grease disposal and grease trap maintenance.

These simple steps can help prevent costly clogs and keep your business running smoothly.

If your grease trap overflows, it can lead to serious plumbing issues and potential health hazards. An overflowing grease trap can cause wastewater to back up into your kitchen or dining area, creating an unsanitary environment and risking contamination.

Here’s what to do if your grease trap overflows:

• Shut down affected areas: Close off any sinks or drains connected to the overflowing grease trap to prevent further contamination.
• Call a professional: Contact a licensed grease trap cleaning service in Calgary to address the issue immediately.
• Check for damage: After the overflow is resolved, have your plumbing system inspected for any damage caused by the grease buildup.

Preventing grease trap overflows through regular maintenance is the best way to avoid these costly and disruptive issues.

Hiring a professional grease trap cleaning service offers several key benefits:

• Compliance with local regulations: A licensed service ensures that your grease trap cleaning meets Calgary’s health and safety standards.
• Proper disposal of FOG: Professionals know how to dispose of grease and solids responsibly, preventing environmental harm.
• Detailed documentation: Professional services provide the necessary records to demonstrate compliance with local regulations.
• Thorough cleaning: A professional cleaning service has the tools and expertise to remove all grease and solids, reducing the risk of clogs and backups.