The blockage of sewage pipes and water distribution systems is a common concern across the world. The release of grease, fats, and oils from a wide variety of sources contaminates the water bodies and causes damage to the wastewater tools. Therefore, increasing the cost of treatment technologies every year.

Grease traps are the most effective solution in this regard, as they are capable of preventing water pollution by trapping the FOG’s and other associated compounds from water bodies through manual and automatic technology.

This article brings you details about the working mechanism of grease traps based on their automated and manual nature.

How Does a Grease Trap Work? Manual vs. Automatic Grease Traps

Grease Traps and Working Mechanism

Grease traps are also known as grease catchers and grease recovery systems. These units have the ability to remove fats, oils, and grease from water and are highly useful in cafes, Hotels, Bakeries, Restaurants, and schools.

These units consist of large tanks that contain an inlet and an outlet. After the water filled with grease is discharged from the source, it enters the device. Inside the device, the water is separated into various components.

The separation system is relatively simpler and relies on the difference in viscosity of all the substances. It is a well-known fact that oil, grease, and water do not mix with each other.

Therefore, once the polluted water enters the trapping system, its rate of flow decreases and the fatty components form a separate layer on top of the water.

Another layer that forms at the bottom of the water is made up of sediment that might also be present in the wastewater. After all three layers are formed, the clean water leaves the chamber via the outlet. The remaining grease is either removed automatically from the unit or remains inside and requires manual cleanup.

Biological Treatment or Dosing

The time of water treatment varies from the size of the trap and the amount of wastewater produced.

Mostly, the time ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, but it can also extend to around eight weeks. That can be done by integrating non-pathogenic bacteria into the system, which can biodegrade the grease and other fatty compounds. Thus, enhancing the overall performance of the product.

Another advantage of biological treatment is the conversion of harmful and high weight molecular compounds into less harmful low weight molecular compounds.

The overall process of biological removal is termed dosing. However, the dosing is carried out after the grease is separated from the water. The microorganisms are incorporated to prevent the grease build-up in the piping systems.

Types of Grease Traps

There are multiple types of grease traps. The most common among which include Passive hydrochemical grease traps, also known as manual grease, automatic grease traps, and gravity grease traps.

These traps differ from each other based on their working mechanism and structure. The detailed design of each unit is discussed below in detail.

Hydrochemical or Manual Grease Traps

These are the most commonly used grease traps and are similar to traditional passive systems. In addition to this, these tools are cost-efficient and perform extremely well in removing grease from water. Thus, they are highly admired by a variety of users.

Furthermore, the diverse size range and easy installation are other prominent attributes of the system that add five stars to its performance. These products are highly suitable for small establishments such as cafes and bakeries and were first introduced in 1885.

Since then, they have been used and upgraded according to living requirements.

Moreover, the main body of the apparatus is constructed using stainless steel or plastic material to prevent corrosion.

Therefore, these traps have high durability and are not prone to damage. As the name indicates, the system must be cleaned manually on a regular basis to ensure long life as well as quality performance.

Automatic Grease Traps

Automatic Grease Removal Units work on a similar principle as their above-mentioned counterpart. However, they are capable of re-heating and skimming the fatty substances present in the water. The device is automatic and can be scheduled to perform the specified tasks.

After the fats and oils have been skimmed, they are passed down to the collector bin for further processing. Further processing of these compounds involves their removal and recycling. Apart from this, the device offers ease of use, as the operator does not have to schedule the skimming activity.

Instead, it is automatically programmed depending on the amount of grease and fatty substances present in the apparatus. However, these units are limited in size and have high investment costs. But, they are highly recommended due to their incredible efficiency and long life.

Gravity Grease Traps

Last but not the least, gravity grease traps have gained wide recognition over the years and are highly popular in the market. These tools are designed for large-scale water treatment systems and are constructed using concrete.

These in-ground tanks are also made up of steel to prevent water from seeping into the soil and groundwater systems. Hence, creating increased pollution and groundwater contamination.

The working operation of these gravity traps is similar to their manual counterparts. The major difference lies in the capacity of both models. Gravity grease traps have a larger capacity and are ideal for heavy-flow applications.

For better performance and high efficiency, it is advisable to maintain the apparatus properly but cleaning them on a regular basis.

These traps are recommended for use in restaurants, large housing facilities, hospitals, and hotels. Another advantage of these large wastewater treatment facilities is their ability to remediate a large amount of wastewater. This does not only contribute to environmental remediation but also helps in the recycling of wastewater.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do they do with grease trap’s grease?

Most of the grease separated from the polluted water streams is manually cleaned from the reservoir. If not cleaned properly, these traps might get trapped inside the cleaning apparatus and lead to blockage in the product, which might affect its efficiency.

In addition to this, some tools also involve the use of biological organisms for converting grease into simpler compounds for better removal and improving the efficiency of the device.

What happens when a grease trap is full?

Overflowing of the grease trap is a common issue. This mostly occurs when the chamber is not cleaned on a regular basis. Along with this, the situation often leads to the spilling of one compartment components to another compartment.

Sometimes, the clog often reaches the inlet and outlet pipes. Thus, blocking them and preventing the water from entering and leaving the product.

How do under sink grease traps work?

The basic principle behind the working of a grease trap is the difference in viscosity of grease and water along with the rate of flow of the contaminated water.

Once the water enters the chamber, its rate of flow decreases and the grease settles on top of the system. This occurs because fatty substances do not dissolve in the water, and thus, the settled material is removed from the top. Thus, leaving clean water which leaves through the outlet.

Why is a grease trap required?

These models are beneficial and are used to separate fats and oils from water. Their basic application involves wastewater treatment, preventing the blockage of sewage pipes, and water recycling.

As fatty substances often get stuck in the pipes and lead to blockage, such traps are highly efficient and are used in restaurants, hotels, and other related places. Therefore, they are highly recommended for daily use.

Should a grease trap be full of water?

It is advised to never fill the grease trap completely with water, as it might lead to an overflow of contaminants in the chamber.

Instead, it is recommended to include 1/4 of water inside the tool for efficient results. This will not only improve the functionality of the material but also enhance its life and prevent it from damage in the longterm.

How do you seal a grease trap?

The most effective material for this purpose includes rubber and silicone. These elements are solid and can stop the contaminants inside the equipment from overflowing.

Similarly, it is not wise to use liquid substances for this purpose as they are not very efficient in this regard. Users only need to reassemble the drainage assembly and reinstall it in the trap according to the instruction mentioned in the user manual.

Wrapping Up

Grease traps are efficient products designed to remove fats and associated substances from the water systems. The phenomenon works on the difference in viscosity of these compounds and their chemical interaction. Modern models also use bacterias to aid the process.

There are a variety of such devices available in the market, most common among which include manual and automatic tools. The apparatus is not only performance-oriented but is cost-efficient as well. Thus, it is ideal for hotels, cafes, schools, and hospitals.

No need to worry about blocked kitchen drains anymore, get one of these 8 portable grease trap that efficiently traps all the FOGs.

Say bye-bye to the congested kitchen severs and drain pipes due to FOGs when you have grease traps installed with your kitchen basins.

Grease traps provide effective ways to collect all the oils and grease from the wastewater preventing the drain pipes from blockades. They can be used on a commercial level such as restaurants, oil fields, injuries so on and so forth.

Moreover, you can use the grease traps on non-commercial levels such as home kitchens.

It is made with stainless steel which makes them less prone to water and chemical damages. In addition to that, it comes with stainless steel grease filters that are housed in the main box.

This grease trapping unit works on the mechanical gravity separation principle. Due to the difference in gravitational pull, the grease accumulates on the wastewater surface and forms a layer trapped in the filters. Let’s analyze the 8 best portable grease traps and how they work.

Portable Grease Traps

Product	Reviews	Price
1.Funwill Grease Trap	Read Reviews	Price
2.Commercial Grease Trap	Read Reviews	Price
3. Funwill Grease Trap	Read Reviews	Price
4. Grease Trap Interceptor	Read Reviews	Price
5. Stainless Steel Grease Trap	Read Reviews	Price
6. Grease Trap Interceptor	Read Reviews	Price

1. Funwill Commercial Grease Trap

The first product from our portable grease trap review list is the ultimate Funwill Commercial grease trap that has some beneficial uses. It outshines its competitors because of its stainless steel body that will last you for years. It remains safe from chipping, corroding, or rusting for many years.

Moreover, it is super durable as it is made with top-quality material.

In addition to that, this grease trap comes with a removable baffle with a buckle lock enclosure that allows for easy cleaning and maintenance. This grease trap unit is very useful in kitchens as it prevents blockage in the drainage system.

It collects maximum fats, oils, and greases also known as FOGs to prevent them from getting into the main sewer.

You can conveniently install it in the open air or under the ground to prevent freezing. In addition to that, it also treats oily water by separating oil from it. It also serves its services in industrial sites, oil fields, and catering industries where there is a large number of FOGs in the water.

You have to connect the pipe from the kitchen sink with the grease trap and then pipe it to the drain and let it do the rest of the job.

Overall, this is a well-machined grease trap that doesn’t corrode or rust easily. It has a durable build that makes it a long-lasting product. It comes with removable baffles which makes it easier for you to clean and maintain the inside of the grease trap.

In addition to that, it is made with stainless steel material that is free from corrosion.

 

2. Commercial Grease Trap

Next from our portable grease trap review list is this fantastic grease trap by Vinmax that is the most widespread product used at commercial sites. It is a high-performance grease trap that effectively separates oil water to prevent sewer blockades.

This product is considered to be one of the best grease traps for its easy cleaning and maintenance.

Furthermore, it uses mechanical gravity separation methods for high efficiency. It can be used in restaurants, oil fields, and kitchens to prevent the FOGs from blocking the sewers.

This grease trap is suitable for vegetable oils, emulsion oils, animal oils, and mixed oils. Moreover, it has a compact design that makes it fit easily in tight spaces.

In addition to that, the installation of this grease trapping unit is extremely convenient. You can either install it under the ground to prevent freezing or place it on the floor.

It has a buckle baffle enclosure that makes it ultra-convenient to clean when required. Lastly, it is pretty affordable and its performance is great under such a price tag.

Overall, this is an incredible grease tap that provides tremendous performance. You can install it conveniently under the ground or place it on the floor.

This grease trapping unit is easy to clean and maintain due to its removable baffle. This grease trap is used to treat a variety of oily water; therefore, it is best for commercial and home use.

 

3. Funwill Grease Trap

You will not experience clogged kitchen drains again if you have a Funwill grease trap by your side. It solves all the issues regarding kitchen drains with its fantastic performance.

This grease trap is used to treat several types of oily water and effectively separates oil from the water. For instance, it treats mineral oil, vegetable oil, mixed oil so on and so forth.

This portable grease trap also uses mechanical gravity water separating methods to ensure the wastewater is rid of all kinds of FOGs. It does it to prevent the drain system from getting clogged due to grease accumulation.

Moreover, the baffle plates effectively trap the grease that is floating above the water surface. Therefore, FOG-free water passes out of the grease trap and goes into your drain.

In addition to that, it provides a convenient interface connection which makes it one of the best portable grease traps. Besides, it has a small footprint so you can easily place it in tight spaces of the kitchen.

This product can be used for commercial as well as home uses. Lastly, it has a durable, anti-rust-built quality that makes it last for a long time.

Overall, this grease trap performs excellently on home or commercial levels. It uses mechanical gravity oil separating methods which makes it perform with excellence.

Moreover, it is ultra-convenient to install and use. In addition to that, you can easily clean the corrugated from all the trapped grease with pressure water. Lastly, it has a durable built and corrosion-free frame that makes it a long-lasting product.

 

4. Grease Trap Interceptor

Next from our portable grease trap review list is the ultimate grease trap interceptor by Lolicute. This product is very well built while keeping durability in mind.

This grease trap interceptor treats a variety of oily water types and keeps your kitchen drain free from FOGs for longer times. It is suitable to treat water with mineral oil, mixed oil, vegetable oil, and animal oil.

In addition to that, like all the products mentioned above, this grease trap also uses a mechanical grease water separator. It allows for maximum performance and takes a small space to fit in due to its compact size.

Moreover, it allows for a simplistic interface connection and the overall equipment is easy to maintain.

Moreover, it comes with an automatic shut-off device that allows for easy operation. You can either place it in the open air or do an underground installation to prevent freezing in harsh weather conditions.

The cleaning of the corrugated board is as simple as it can get. You need a gush of pressure water to clean it once a year.

Overall, this grease trap interceptor offers excellent performance on the home as well as commercial level. This product takes the lead due to its easy maintenance, installation, and cleaning.

It comes with removable baffles, which can be cleaned with pressure water with ultimate ease. Lastly, the durability of the product is unmatched making it last for a longer time.

 

5. Stainless Steel Grease Trap

This grease trap by Vinmax will keep your kitchen drains safe and clog-free for years to come. It cleanses the water from mineral oil, vegetable oil, animal oil, and much more.

You can use this grease trapping unit in the catering industry, restaurants, oil fields, and homes. It performs its best wherever you install it and last you longer due to its ultra-durable structure.

In addition to that, this grease trap interceptor is made up of stainless steel, which makes it corrosion-free. It doesn’t rust in years and has a hassle-free cleaning.

It works on the basic principle of gravitational separation. When the wastewater enters the grease trap, the FOGs rise above the water level due to the difference in gravitational pull. It then gets trapped into the filter, and the water goes to the drain.

Moreover, it comes with a shut-off device, a drain device, and a sampling port that adds to the overall convenience. You can install it with great convenience wherever you want.

Moreover, it can be installed at industrial sites, oil fields, restaurants, and home kitchens. You can install this unit underground to prevent freezing, or you can place it on the floor.

Overall, you will find great trap interceptors extremely useful for kitchen use as well as commercial use. Keep your drains from getting clogged keeping this grease trap by your side.

It has a durable stainless steel body that will last you for years. The whole unit is convenient to install, use, and maintain—all in all, this one of the best portable grease traps.

 

6. Grease Trap Interceptor

The last product from our best portable grease traps review list is this fantastic grease trap interceptor by Denshine that boasts amazing features. It has a wide range of applications and covers a wide variety of oily water to treat. This grease trap can treat animal oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil, and much more.

In addition to that, it efficiently separates oil from the water to prevent the kitchen’s drain from clogging. It works on the mechanical gravity oil-water separating principle for optimal performance.

It has a small footprint so that it can be placed in small kitchen spaces. You can also install it underground to prevent freezing during cold weather conditions.

Moreover, it provides an easy interface connection, and the overall unit is ultra-convenient to use. It comes with an automatic shut-off device, sampling port, and oil drain device that further adds to the overall convenience.

You can easily clean the grease filter with pressure water once a year as it is removable. All in all, this is an incredible grease trap that takes less time and effort for its maintenance.

If you want to prevent the headaches of clogged drain pipes in your kitchen, then get your hands on this grease trap by Dineshine. It is packed with some amazing features that make it one of the best portable grease traps.

It comes with removable grease filters that are ultra-convenient to clean. Moreover, it is easy to clean and maintain and performs very well for a long time. Lastly, it has a long-lasting, durable built.

 

FAQs

How do I choose a grease trap?

Before investing your time and money in purchasing a grease trap, you need to consider a few things. For instance, make sure the grease trap is made of durable stainless steel, so it doesn’t corrode. Moreover, it should be easy to clean and maintain. Also, consider its installation and size of the product.

What happens when the grease trap is full?

When your grease trap is full of wastewater, it forms a thick layer of grease on the top of the water level. When this happens, wastewater movements and water overflow might happen. Therefore, it is always better to regularly clean the grease trap and maintain it regularly.

How often should I clean my grease trap?

Generally, a grease trap should be cleaned after every 3 to 4 months depending upon its use. If you are using it for commercial sites, you need to clean it every 2 to 3 months. However, you can clean it after every 5 months to one year if it’s for home use.

How does the grease trap work?

Grease traps work on the mechanical gravity separation method. When the wastewater enters, a thick layer of FOGs forms over the water level due to gravity differences. Filters separate the grease, and the grease-free water goes into the drain pipes.

How to maintain a grease trap?

For its maintenance, make sure you clean it regularly. For that matter, make a mixture of vinegar and baking soda and pour it over the grease trap to let it soak for some time. After that, wash it with pressure hot water to clean it from all the grease.

Final Thoughts

Grease traps provide great utility to prevent blocked drain issues. They are cost-effective and are less prone to damages if maintained properly.

In addition to that, these grease traps are convenient to maintain and work efficiently for a long time. Leading brands manufacture the products mentioned above. They promise nothing but the durability and high performance. Some of our top recommendations are listed below.

• Funwill Commercial Grease Trap for its high performance and durability.
• Grease Trap Interceptor by Lolicute for its easy interface connection and convenient installation.
• Stainless Steel Grease Trap by Vinmax, for its versatility and anti-corrosion body.

All in all, portable grease traps will prevent you from several issues regarding the kitchen’s drain system. It is an extremely effective and eco-friendly method to prevent the sewers from getting clogged.

Moreover, these grease traps are durable and provide great services under such a price tag. It can be used on commercial as well as non-commercial levels. Lastly, we hope you find the right product.

Grease traps are an important part of big restaurants, and their success highly depends on their cleaning and maintenance. You only get a business license in many states when you have installed this system in your kitchen. The maintenance and cleaning of this equipment are very critical as it’s a serious investment.

These systems keep your space smell fresh and run your sewer lines smoothly. A little mismanagement in this system can lead to huge economic loss. If you want your equipment to last for a long time and run your system flawlessly, it’s recommended to take good care of it.

A proper cleaning and management system can help you get the best out of a grease trap.

This guide will explain a few tips and techniques of grease trap cleaning and maintenance.

Grease Trap Cleaning and Maintainance

Proper Installation

Proper installation of grease tarp is vital for the success of the whole system. You need to ensure that the system you purchased is of the right size and the location you choose is proper. Commercial grease traps are either usually located outside the main building or the building’s basement.

If you are on a small setup, it could be located right under your kitchen sink area. Make sure that it fits perfectly in this space, and a grease trap is installed first, followed by the garbage disposal.

Stainers are another important part of the whole system. If you have installed stainers all-around in your kitchen, they will protect your system from clogging.

They will prevent the solid pieces of food from falling into the system. Another important point is that no grease should go down the drain. If you let it go down the drain, it will clog the whole system, leading to damage.

See if it is Working?

After a few days of installation, it should start trapping the grease. It means there must be a build-up on the trap. If there is no build-up, it means something is going wrong, and a tarp is not working properly.

You need to check if there is any leakage. If some of its parts are not connected properly, it will lead to leakage. It could damage your whole system if you don’t take care of this matter at the right time.

When to Clean?

Proper maintenance is essential for the proper functioning of the whole system. Schedule cleaning is another critical part of the whole process. It is crucial to regularly monitor grease traps to see if they need cleaning or not. Usually, people go for cleaning when it is filled to the top, which is not recommended.

Ideally, it would be best if you cleaned the tarp when it is filled two-third. A completely filled grease trap would start smelling, and it is pretty hard to clean those tarps. It is recommended to make a cleaning schedule.

Within the first few weeks, you can know how many days the grease tanks are filled up to two-third. It would help you create a plan for the cleaning. However, it is advised to monitor the situation to overcome unusual problems and issues regularly.

How to Clean Commercial Grease Traps?

Commercial Grease tanks are pretty complex structures, and they have never been easy to clean. Moreover, the whole system’s reliability and stability largely depend on how and when you clean these grease traps. Here are some dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind if you want the best results.

Following are the steps involved in the cleaning process of the grease traps.

FAQs

How often does a grease trap need to be cleaned?

It depends upon the amount of grease a restaurant produces and the storage tank’s capacity. On average, grease tarp’s capacity reaches ¾ in two to three months. It is advised to regularly monitor your grease traps and make a cleaning schedule accordingly.

How does a grease trap work?

Fats and oils being less dense than water, do not mix with water and float on top. Grease traps consist of baffles that trap fats and oils and don’t let them go into the sewer lines. These traps have a separate storage capacity that fills up with time and needs to be cleaned regularly. Here is complete details on How Does a Grease Trap Work? Manual vs. Automatic Grease Traps.

Why grease trap is required?

A grease trap is essential for any food business, as it prevents the oil and fats build up from flowing into the sewer lines. These fats and oils can lead to huge sewer lines blockage, if not trapped and disposed of at the initial trap.

What is fog in grease trap?

FOG means Fats, Oils, and Grease. This is an abbreviated term collectively used for the insoluble hazardous waste produced by restaurants and food businesses.

Should a dishwasher be connected to a grease interceptor?

Yes, it is highly recommended to connect the dishwasher with a grease trap directly. However, grease traps should not be installed very close to the dishwasher because a high flow rate and temperature can prevent proper separation and trapping of FOG and the initial stages.