You may have heard the term ‘grease trap’, sometimes also known as a ‘grease interceptor’ or a ‘fat trap’, but do you know what they do or if you need one installed on your premises?

Generally, if you own or operate a commercial hot food kitchen in the United Kingdom, legislation states that you should have a grease trap installed. This includes, although isn’t limited to, public premises such as pubs, bars and restaurants that serve hot meals, as well as private employee canteens and food service businesses that cook hot food but don’t sell directly to the public.

In terms of legal compliance, UK businesses in the food service industry are required to have a grease trap installed and maintained in accordance with the Water Industry Act 1991 and the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Here, we’re taking a more in-depth look at when you need to look at grease trap installation and what you need to consider when buying a grease trap.

What is a Grease Trap?

Why Do You Need a Grease Trap?

Does Every Commercial Kitchen Need a Grease Trap?

So, Do I Need a Grease Trap?

Factors To Consider

Which Establishments Need a Grease Trap?

4 Signs Your Business Needs a Grease Trap

Which Size Grease Trap Do I Need?

Briefly, a grease trap is a device that captures and stores fats, oils and grease (FOG) from your kitchen wastewater while allowing the water itself to continue into the sewer.

Having a commercial grease trap installed is an essential tool in helping to prevent serious drain blockages that can build up over time if FOG and food particles are washed into the municipal sewer system. You can discover much more about grease traps in our frequently asked questions section and on our blog.

Grease traps prevent FOG from solidifying and causing clogs and sewer blockages. This is vital for both compliance and environmental purposes. 

Water authorities require grease management systems, such as grease traps or interceptors, to be installed in commercial kitchens and food preparation environments.

Without a grease trap, your plumbing system is susceptible to:

Business owners also have an environmental responsibility to minimise the impact of their operations. Grease traps help prevent FOG from damaging sewer systems and waters. 

Yes. Every commercial kitchen that produces FOG requires a grease trap or grease interceptor. This is due to the volume of waste they produce, and without them, FOG would cause severe damage to a sewer system, resulting in costly fines and penalties. 

Settings that require grease traps include:

If you’re unsure whether your business falls into the category of needing a grease trap by law, the best thing you can do is give the grease trap installation, maintenance and cleaning experts at Aqua Mundus a call on 01386 832205 for a chat about the nature of your company. We can also provide a free on-site survey and no-obligation quote to help you find the most ideal, bespoke grease trap solution for your business.

If you would prefer to do more research first, here are just some of the considerations you need to make when it comes to grease trap installation in your business:

The first thing to investigate is whether your local council requires the use of a grease trap in your type of establishment. This varies depending on the size of your kitchen, the volume of food you prepare and the type of food being cooked.

Another reason why you need a grease trap has to do with legal requirements, particularly from key legislation that’s been established over the years. These local water authorities require businesses to install grease management systems to protect the environment and prevent FOG from entering the sewer network.

The Water Industry Act 1991 refers to how wastewater is discharged into public sewers in the UK. It allows water authorities to regulate what businesses release into the system. This act is designed to prevent damage to sewer systems and reduce the risk of blockages, pollution and costly infrastructure issues.

There is also the Environmental Protection Act 1990 that sets out the legal framework for managing waste and preventing harm to the environment. It places the onus on businesses to handle, store and dispose of wastewater to prioritise protecting the environment. 

Trade effluent regulations set out similar rules. They outline the specific limits on substances that are discharged into sewage systems and require businesses to install grease traps and grease interceptors for larger commercial environments that produce significant amounts of FOG.

These regulations are explored in greater detail in our helpful blog post on why grease traps are a legal requirement. 

The type of food you prepare is also a factor in deciding whether a grease trap installation is required. Foods high in fats, oils and grease (FOG) like burgers, sausages and baked goods are more likely to cause blockages in wastewater pipes.

Another consideration is the amount of food being prepared. The more food you cook, the more FOG materials are created. A grease trap is almost always required in a high-volume kitchen to prevent clogs and backups.

Older buildings may have pipes that are more prone to clogging, necessitating the use of a larger, more efficient grease trap. If your kitchen has multiple sinks, each one may require its own grease trap to ensure full FOG capture and compliance.

When FOG materials enter the sewer system, they can build up in pipes, causing sewage overflows into waterways. This can have serious consequences for local ecosystems and wildlife. Grease traps prevent this.

A grease trap can also save you money in the long run. By preventing blockages, you can avoid costly plumbing repairs and emergency clean-up services, not to mention the large fines – and even possible prosecution – for not being legally compliant.

When choosing a commercial kitchen grease trap, it’s vital to get the right size and type for your needs. The size should be determined by the flow rate of your kitchen’s wastewater, and the type should be chosen based on the type of food and volume of cooking in your facilities. A professional grease trap installation company like Aqua Mundus can help you find the perfect solution.

Restaurants almost always require a grease trap by law. High-volume cooking, washing and dish cleaning send large amounts of fats, oils and grease down your wastewater lines. Without a trap, you risk serious blockages, bad smells, non-compliance fines and even temporary closure.

Yes – most cafés serve hot food, baked goods or greasy snacks made on-site, which produce FOG during cooking and washing up. Even light menus can lead to significant FOG buildup over time. A grease trap ensures compliance, avoids plumbing issues and protects pipes and the environment. Consider all these aspects when deciding if you need a grease trap. 

It depends. A grease trap is typically required if your bar serves hot food – even snacks or small plates. FOG from items like fried sides or cheesy dishes can build up quickly. Many bars also operate kitchens behind the scenes, which puts them firmly in the scope of requiring a fitted device.

Possibly. If your sandwich shop toasts, grills or prepares hot fillings like bacon or cheese, you’re generating FOG and will need a grease trap. Even high volumes of cold prep can introduce food sediment and light grease into your system, risking non-compliance without proper management.

Yes, even coffee shops require a grease trap. This is because it is not safe for coffee grounds to go down the sink. Coffee grounds that mix with FOG become problematic for sewage systems and can result in foul odours, blocked pipes and compliance issues. Even if your coffee shop doesn’t serve food, it requires a grease trap to avoid these complications. 

Yes – even if your baking doesn’t involve frying. Butter, oil and flour can still cause FOG buildup and eventual blockages over time. If you’re preparing or rinsing greasy trays, tins and utensils, you’ll need a grease trap to remain compliant and avoid potential backflow into your premises.

Yes, even ice cream shops require grease traps. Because ice cream contains dairy, the fats within it can solidify in drains and lead to blockages. Installing a grease trap helps maintain proper flow, reduces the risk of plumbing issues and supports overall compliance with wastewater regulations.

Commercial dishwashers also require a dishwasher. Since they’re often used to wash greasy pans, cooking equipment, silverware with food particles and plates with food residue, they can produce wastewater that contains significant amounts of FOG. Most dishwashers are often connected directly to grease traps to capture waste before it enters a system.

If you’ve noticed your kitchen drain is taking longer to perform simple drainage, it could be a sign of a clog. If your grease trap is not draining, it’s important to address this issue before it escalates into a major problem.

If grease has accessed your sink pipes, it can begin to accumulate and cause a wide range of issues that can quickly become costly. Left untreated and it may result in pipe damage or the need for professional repairs. 

Foul odours are another sign that grease is starting to accumulate within your drainage system. This is not only a hygienic concern, it can be unpleasant for staff and customers alike. 

If your basic drain gel isn’t working and blockages are starting to become a regular occurrence, then a grease trap may be beneficial to avoid major drainage problems from starting to form. 

When choosing a commercial kitchen grease trap, it’s vital to get the right size and type for your needs. A professional grease trap installation company like Aqua Mundus can help you find the perfect solution.

The size should be determined by the flow rate of your kitchen’s wastewater, and the type should be chosen based on the type of food and volume of cooking in your facilities. Our free grease trap sizing calculator can help you find the right grease trap management system based on your exact needs. 

A grease trap is a vital installation in any commercial kitchen that prepares hot food or has a high volume of cooking. By preventing FOG from entering the sewer, a grease trap can help prevent blockages, reduce environmental impact and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

For more information, support and guidance, or to take full advantage of our knowledge, reputation and expertise in installing and maintaining grease traps, call Aqua Mundus today on 01386 832205, send an email to emailus@aquamundus.co.uk or use our online contact form to get in touch.