Grease Trap Not Draining? Try These 7 Simple Fixes

Grease traps range in size and style from small, basic units to complex, automatic and even underground systems. If there’s one thing they share in common, aside from intercepting fats, oils and grease, it’s that they can all stop working correctly if they are not looked after.

In today’s blog post, the experts at Aqua Mundus are guiding you through seven simple things to try if your grease trap is not draining correctly. Let’s get started and get your wastewater flowing again.

The modern grease trap dates back to an 1884 patent filed in San Francisco. It works by filtering out food effluent and fats, oils and grease (FOG) from wastewater, allowing cleaner water to flow safely into the sewer. This helps protect drainage systems and prevents environmental damage.

Grease traps can only collect a certain volume of FOG before their efficiency begins to decrease. This volume will vary from unit to unit and business to business, but kitchen managers and restaurant owners need to know how frequently their grease traps need to be emptied to keep them functioning.

If your grease trap’s inlet or outlet pipes become blocked, wastewater can’t flow through the system properly. These blockages are often caused by solidified grease, food waste and general debris. This can cause backflow, slow drainage and added pressure on the trap itself, potentially leading to overflows or more serious issues.

Parts like baffles (internal walls), seals and flow control valves can degrade over time. When these components crack, loosen or corrode, your grease trap’s ability to separate and contain FOG is compromised. A damaged trap may appear to work, but it won’t function effectively.

Drainage issues are inevitable if you don’t follow a pre-planned maintenance schedule. Regular cleaning and servicing are essential to keep grease traps working efficiently. Neglecting maintenance allows FOG and sediment to build up beyond recommended levels, clogging the system and causing slower drainage.

If your grease trap is not draining, start with the easiest checks. Remove the lid from your grease trap and look for any issues caused by food sediment or hardened grease. If you spot any potential blockages, take the necessary safety steps – gloves, tools, etc – and carefully try to remove the issue.

If a blockage isn’t the issue, does the grease trap need to be thoroughly cleaned? Empty your device, scraping down baffles and walls to remove any stubborn FOG. Remember your waste transfer obligations and ensure you dispose of the FOG safely and legally.

Biological dosing systems are an enzyme-based alternative to harsh cleaning chemicals (which can seriously damage your trap and should be avoided). They help naturally break down FOG in all parts of your grease trap and wastewater system, ensuring even the most out-of-sight areas keep flowing.

So, your grease trap is clean, but the blockage persists – what next? This is the point at which many businesses might consider professional help, but if you have the tools and skills, you can use flexible plumbing rods or a low-pressure jet to dislodge anything stuck inside the pipes.

Prevention is always better than cure. Regular pre-planned grease trap maintenance will keep your system working efficiently, helping you spot problems before they escalate. This approach also makes it easier to ensure that you’re complying with waste management legislation.

Grease trap still not draining? There are likely serious issues with parts of your device that need replacing. Check components like baffles, seals and flow control valves for wear. Even a tiny crack or misaligned part can disrupt wastewater flow. New parts may negate the need for a whole new trap.

Still stuck? It may be time to call in the experts. At Aqua Mundus, we can inspect your system, identify the cause and perform any necessary repairs. Our skilled engineers carry common replacement parts and will get your drainage system back in action quickly and affordably.

At Aqua Mundus, we understand how much it takes to run a commercial kitchen. Grease trap issues are just another concern on a never-ending list, so we offer total grease management solutions – so you never have to worry about FOG again.

To hand off your grease trap management to dedicated experts, call us on 01386 832205, email sales@aquamundus.co.uk or use our online contact form. Whether your grease trap is not draining or you need a whole new system, we’ll get it sorted.