Grease traps are an important part of commercial kitchens as they enable food waste to be handled effectively. However, it’s also crucial to have them cleaned regularly to prevent problems occurring.
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Keep it functioning efficiently
When you have a grease trap in the UK, regularly cleaning it will prevent the build-up of large quantities of fats, oils and greases (FOG), which can stop it operating as effectively as it should. A large clog of debris can cause a serious plumbing issue that is not limited only to the restaurant’s plumbing system, which will be extremely costly and time-consuming to fix.
Around 75 per cent of the blocked sewers in this country each year are the result of the build-up of FOG, and blockages account for 55 per cent of flooded sewers.
Limit the spread of bacteria
The purpose of a grease trap is to capture food particles and FOG, but while they are kept in the trap, they are a prime breeding ground for bacteria. By having the trap maintained regularly, you will reduce the risk of bacteria spreading, which maintains a healthy environment and will be good for your business.
Build-up of odour
In addition to resulting in a build-up of bacteria, grease traps that are not cleaned frequently can have a smell that is not pleasant for staff or customers. With regular cleaning, these odours can be eliminated. There are a range of sources you can use, such as http://www.ukgreasetrapsdirect.co.uk/, to find cleaning companies.
More cost-effective
When your kitchen is fitted with a grease trap in the UK, it is typically cheaper to keep it well maintained and cleaned regularly than it is to repair it when it becomes damaged. Grease traps that are not cleaned will become clogged up. This can cause them to malfunction, which can be inconvenient and costly. It could even possibly result in the business being forced to close for a period of time.
Legal requirements
Building regulations mean that all commercial kitchens that have been refurbished or newly built must have a way of removing grease. Best management practice calls for businesses to maintain a written maintenance record, and the Food Safety Act 1990 allows local authorities to take action if a business has poor grease management practices in place.