Have you gotten tired of grease buildup in your pipelines? Small grease traps are an ideal solution for you. These objects are used for domestic purposes and have small sizes.
Therefore, they can be easily installed under the kitchen sinks. Similarly, these units are renowned for their small capacity, low flow rate, and inexpensiveness. Therefore, they require more maintenance than their larger counterparts.
This article encapsulates the working mechanism, size, construction, flow rate, capacity, maintenance, and installation of small grease traps.
Contents
Small Grease Traps
Small grease traps are an efficient alternative to large grease interceptors that are usually placed outside the facilities to separate grease, fats, and oils from the wastewater.
Due to the large size and increased cost of grease interceptors, they are not feasible for the majority of consumers. Thus, smaller grease traps are mostly preferred.
These units can be easily played under the sink and other associated spaces for curing the problem of wastewater at the source rather than the sink.
These grease traps are efficient because they prevent the blockage of grease inside the pipes and are highly useful in restaurants, hospitals, cafes, schools, and other establishments.
Working Mechanism of Grease Traps
The trap works on a straightforward mechanism. It is a well-known fact that oil and grease do not intermix, and thus, once the wastewater enters the trap, its flow rate is slowed down to perform further tasks.
After the flow rate decreases, grease can be separated from the top of the water, while heavy solid particles can be eliminated from the bottom.
Thereby leaving clean water behind. The remaining water is discharged through another pipe for further treatment. Sometimes, microorganisms are also used in the process for cleaning additional impurities from the water.
These organisms include digesting bacterias that break down heavy-weight compounds and clear the blockage in pipelines. Thus, they are highly recommended.
Flow rate and Capacity of Small Grease Traps
Small grease traps have less capacity as compared to their larger counterparts because of their limited size. These tools have the ability to hold up to 50 gallons of water per minute.
However, it is recommended to avoid exceeding up to 30 gallons per minute for enhanced performance.
In addition to this, small grease traps require low water flow for separating more fats from the contaminated water.
It is also advised to never completely fill your model with water to avoid any mishap. Only 1/4 of the trap should be filled with water at a time for better output.
Maintenance of Mini Traps
Due to the small size of these tools, they require more maintenance and careful handling by the consumers. These objects should regularly be cleaned to prevent blockage or performance concerns.
The reason for this is the limited size of the model, which gets filled with grease quickly. Thus, preventing the system from removing fats from the incoming water.
It is recommended to get the system cleaned every month by specialists. However, it should also be cleaned on a daily basis by consumers. As mentioned earlier, only 1/4 of the system should be filled with water.
Increased amounts of water will lead to leakage or overflow and impact the efficiency of the tool.
Size of the Mini Traps
Grease trapping materials are available in a diverse variety of sizes and, therefore, can be selected depending on the use. The size of the device varies from 10 gallons to 500 gallons.
Usually, large interceptors that are required to clean increased amounts of water are about the size of a mini-fridge and can be inserted outside the facility they are required for.
Contrary to this, mini traps are only the size of a bread box and can be installed under the sink and near pipes for on-spot cleaning. The size of the trap required for separation can be determined by the establishment in which they are going to be used.
Small and medium-sized buildings like cafes and houses are ideal for mini traps, while restaurants and hospitals require large interceptors and commercial grease traps.
Materials for Construction
Over the years, a wide variety of materials have been used to manufacture grease traps. The quality of the material is determined by its durability and water holding capacity. Materials that cause rusting or are less durable are not preferred because of efficiency concerns.
Therefore, plastic, steel, polyvinyl chloride, and fiberglass are the most common substances used for the construction of these devices. Here you may check PVC plastic grease trap reviews.
Rusted and leaking units are often repaired or completely replaced depending on the damage. Similarly, large interceptors are made up of cement, fiberglass, and polyvinyl chloride because of the enhanced durability of these substances, even in extreme conditions.
Since large units are mostly placed outdoors; thus, they should be more durable and sturdy than their indoor counterparts.
Location for Installation
Mini traps are smaller in size as compared to large interceptors and thus, require less space for installation. They can be conveniently installed under the sinks in your kitchen.
Contrarily, large interceptors can not be installed inside the houses because of their large size and are mostly designed for outdoor purposes.
The perfect location for the installation of most grease traps is near the fixture. However, it should be kept in mind that these objects might produce an unpleasant odor.
Thus, it should be installed carefully, keeping all the aspects into consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you size a grease trap?
In order to identify the size of a grease trap, it is advised to multiply the length, width, and diameter of the sink (where it needs to be installed) collectively known as X (the capacity of the sink).
After capacity has been identified, it should be divide by 231, i.e., X/231 for the identification of flow rate in gallons per minute, also known as Y. Then multiply the value of Y to 0.75 in order to obtain the size of a grease trap for a commercial kitchen.
How much does a grease trap cost to install?
The smaller grease traps ranging between 10 to 100 gallons cost around $250 to $1500 and are relatively less expensive. Similarly, the large interceptors with a capacity of around 500 gallons cost more and are available at the price range of $4000 to 48500.
Some other grease recovery devices mostly cost between $3500 and $6000.
Are grease traps a legal requirement?
At smaller facilities and household levels, it is completely optional to use grease traps, and consumers have the liberty to stop using the device if they do not want to.
However, in large establishments like restaurants and hospitals or places opened for business where excessive water is contaminated with fats and oils, such traps are a legal requirement. They must be installed for health and environmental safety.
How long do grease traps last?
Most grease traps have a lifetime of around five to eight years. Steel grease traps are prone to rust and thus should be replaced every five years to ensure good quality and efficient output.
If maintained properly and regularly, these tools can last a year or more than their average lifetime.
How do you maintain a grease trap?
For cleaning a grease trap and preventing blockage, it is advised to pour baking soda and vinegar in 1: 2 quantity down the drain. Let it soak the trap for 15 to 20 minutes.
After the bubbles start to produce, wash the system with hot water. Rinse properly. However, it is recommended to seek expert guidance while doing so in order to prevent accidental damage or any mishap.
What could occur if a grease trap is not properly maintained?
If a grease trap is not cleaned properly, grease can build up inside the system and can solidify with time. Thereby blocking the pipes and preventing the water from passing through.
The blockage inside the traps can also lead to the blocking of toilets, drains, and skins; hence, generating a foul smell throughout the house.
Wrapping Up
Small grease traps are a suitable alternative to large interceptors and can be placed easily inside the house and under the kitchen sinks. The reason for this is the minute size of the unit, which requires less installation space. In addition to this, these tools are characterized by a low water flow rate and small capacity.
In addition to this, they also require increased maintenance and might impact performance to a great extent if not cleaned properly on daily basis. These materials are also less expensive as compare to large traps and are highly recommended for domestic use.
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