Big Dipper Grease Traps: Installation, Maintenance & Servicing
Big Dipper grease traps are an advanced system designed to improve grease management in commercial kitchens. They’re equipped with automatic grease removal, automated skimming, smart maintenance indicators and odour protection features. Big Dipper systems are essential for maintaining compliance in food service environments.
In this helpful guide and service, we’re going to cover installation, servicing, maintenance requirements and ongoing support for Thermaco Big Dipper systems.
What is a Big Dipper Grease Trap?
A Big Dipper grease trap is different from standard grease traps. For starters, it’s designed with automatic skimming to actively remove grease from a trap rather than letting it sink to the bottom.
Thermaco Big Dipper grease interceptor systems are commonly installed in commercial kitchens, restaurants, cafés, hotels, schools, hospitals and food production facilities where large volumes of grease are generated daily. This is because in commercial kitchens and nearly anywhere that serves food, grease management is essential to maintain compliance.
Big Dipper Grease Trap Units
These grease management systems are available in a range of sizes and flows to suit different commercial kitchen requirements. Explore our selection and find the advanced Big Dipper unit to keep your commercial kitchen an efficient, hygienic and compliant setting.
Big Dipper Unit Spare Parts
We supply a complete range of Big Dipper spare parts to keep your system operating efficiently and reduce downtime.
UK-Wide Big Dipper Services
Aqua Mundus offers a range of specialist services designed to keep your business compliant while providing complete peace of mind. Backed by extensive industry knowledge, we manage everything from maintenance and waste disposal to drainage services, delivering a complete one-stop solution for your grease management requirements.
Installation
Our specialist team provides professional grease trap installation services to ensure your Big Dipper system performs at peak efficiency. The process begins with a full site assessment to identify the correct unit based on your flow requirements, while also determining whether an internal, external or underground installation is required. Once installed, the system is fully tested to ensure optimal performance and full compliance with grease management regulations.
Cleaning & Maintenance
We also offer expert cleaning and maintenance services. Even with an advanced Big Dipper grease trap, these systems require regular servicing to operate efficiently. This is because FOG (fats, oils and grease) can accumulate, resulting in a wide range of potential issues. The recommended maintenance frequency will depend on the size of the unit, kitchen output and daily grease volume. A proactive approach to grease trap cleaning keeps these solutions performing optimally and your business compliant.
Repairs & Troubleshooting
At Aqua Mundus, we provide grease trap repairs that resolve issues efficiently. If your Big Dipper grease trap is not working correctly, it may be caused by a range of operational or mechanical issues. Common problems include poor grease separation, reduced skimming performance, blockages and motor failure, all of which can affect the overall efficiency of your system.
Professional Big Dipper grease trap troubleshooting helps identify the root cause of the problem quickly and effectively, whether it is due to excessive grease build-up, worn components or mechanical faults.
Servicing
Regular servicing is invaluable to any grease trap system. It is not only essential for effective operation but also for maintaining compliance. Staying on top of your grease trap servicing prevents issues such as drainage problems, clogs and unpleasant odours. Servicing frequency depends on kitchen usage levels, grease output and system demands, therefore, high-volume commercial kitchens often require more frequent maintenance to prevent any issues from occurring.
Unit Hire
We also provide a grease trap rental service to support the safe and compliant disposal of FOG in pop-up restaurants, temporary kitchens and other food service activations. With a wide range of grease trap systems for hire, we help you find the ideal solution for your requirements, all backed by our commitment to delivering reliable service and expert support.
Big Dipper Grease Trap Motor Issues
The motor is a vital component in the Big Dipper grease trap, powering the skimming mechanism responsible for automatic grease removal. Occasionally, issues can occur, especially when servicing and repairs are neglected over a period of time. Common motor issues can include unusual noises, inconsistent skimming, overheating or complete system failure, all of which may affect grease separation and compliance.
If your Big Dipper drive motor is showing signs of reduced performance or the grease trap is not working correctly, professional inspection and repair are recommended to prevent further operational issues and downtime.
Get in touch with our experts today for advice, we can arrange an inspection along with repairs if needed. We also stock spare Big Dipper motors and other spare parts, available to purchase directly online.
Big Dipper Grease Interceptors Explained
So, what is the difference between a grease trap and a grease interceptor? While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different types of grease management systems.
- Grease interceptors are typically larger units, often installed underground or externally, and are designed to handle higher volumes of FOG in busy commercial environments.
- Grease traps, on the other hand, are usually smaller under-sink systems intended for lower volumes of grease wastewater.
Both perform the essential role of separating fats, oils and grease from wastewater, but they differ primarily in their size, design and intended application.
Videos & Technical Resources
Explore our resources for expert guidance on Big Dipper installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and day-to-day operation.
FAQs: Big Dipper Grease Trap FAQs
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How does the Big Dipper work?
Big Dipper grease traps use automatic grease removal technology to separate fats, oils and grease from wastewater before it enters the drainage system. The unit skims collected grease into an external container while allowing cleaner water to flow safely through the system.
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How often should Big Dipper units be cleaned?
Cleaning frequency depends on the size of the unit and the volume of grease produced by your kitchen. High-volume commercial kitchens may require more frequent servicing to prevent grease build-up and maintain system efficiency.
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What does it mean if a Big Dipper grease trap is not working?
If your Big Dipper grease trap is not working correctly, it could indicate issues such as blockages, motor failure, worn components or excessive grease accumulation. The first signs that a grease trap isn’t operating as it should include poor grease separation, unpleasant odours and reduced performance.
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Is Big Dipper maintenance required by law?
In the UK, commercial kitchens are required under the Water Industry Act 1991 to dispose of grease and food waste correctly to comply with wastewater regulations. Regular maintenance helps prevent issues regarding compliance and regulations.
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What is a Thermaco Big Dipper grease trap?
A Thermaco Big Dipper grease trap is an automatic grease recovery unit designed for commercial kitchens and food service environments. It removes fats, oils and grease from wastewater using automated skimming technology.
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How are the units powered?
Big Dipper units are electrically powered to operate the automatic skimming system and internal motor components responsible for grease removal.
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What happens to the food scraps?
Food scraps and solid waste should be prevented from entering the Big Dipper grease trap where possible. Any collected waste and grease must be safely removed and disposed of in accordance with commercial waste regulations.
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What size Big Dipper unit do I need?
The correct Big Dipper unit size will depend on your kitchen’s flow rate, sink capacity and daily grease output. Use our grease trap size calculator to find a system that best suits your environment.
Did you know…
Around 75% of sewer blockages in the UK are caused by fats, oils and grease (FOG).
Source: Yorkshire Water
Talk To An Expert
Whatever your grease management needs, put us to the test and you won’t be left disappointed. Thousands of clients already rely on the experience and expertise of Aqua Mundus, so get in touch to see how we can help you.