Grease Traps

Understanding Grease Traps & Their Importance

Grease traps (also called grease interceptors) are specialized plumbing devices designed to intercept fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they enter the wastewater disposal system. These devices work by slowing down the flow of warm, greasy water from dishwashers, sinks, and floor drains, allowing the grease to cool and separate from the water. The lighter fats and oils float to the top, while food particles sink to the bottom, leaving cleaner water to flow through to the sewer system.

For restaurants and commercial kitchens, functional grease traps aren't just beneficial—they're essential. Without proper grease management, FOG can accumulate in your plumbing and sewer lines, causing serious blockages that lead to costly backups and potential health code violations. As grease cools and solidifies in pipes, it gradually restricts water flow, eventually creating complete blockages that can shut down your kitchen operations.

Beyond protecting your own business, grease traps play a vital role in maintaining Tulsa's public sewer infrastructure. When excessive grease enters the municipal sewer system, it contributes to massive "fatbergs" that can damage public utilities and require extensive, taxpayer-funded repairs. For this reason, the City of Tulsa strictly enforces grease trap requirements for food service establishments, including regular maintenance and proper disposal of collected FOG.

Signs Your Grease Trap Needs Immediate Service

Regular maintenance should be scheduled based on your trap's size and your kitchen's volume, but certain warning signs indicate your system needs immediate attention:

• Slow Draining Sinks and Floor Drains – When multiple drains throughout your kitchen begin draining slowly, it often indicates your grease trap is approaching capacity. This reduced flow rate occurs as the trap's chambers fill with FOG and food particles, restricting proper water movement.
• Foul Odors Coming from Drains or the Grease Trap Area – Properly functioning grease traps should not produce noticeable odors. If you detect persistent, unpleasant smells around your drains or in the vicinity of your grease trap, decomposing food particles and rancid grease likely need professional removal.
• Backup of Wastewater into Sinks or Floor Drains – This serious warning sign indicates your grease trap is completely full or has developed a blockage. Immediate service is required to prevent health code violations and damage to your kitchen.
• Water Pooling Around the Grease Trap Access Points – Visible leakage around your grease trap suggests structural damage, improper seals, or extreme overfilling. This condition requires immediate professional assessment to prevent contamination.
• Increasing Frequency of Plumbing Issues Throughout Your Facility – When seemingly unrelated plumbing problems begin occurring throughout your establishment, your grease trap may be affecting the entire system. Professional inspection can determine if your grease management system is the underlying cause.