Service for Your Grit or Grease Trap

If you operate a restaurant, you may be equipped with a grease or grit trap. This device will trap fats, grease, oil, and solids before they enter the city sewer lines. As time goes on, the debris will build up and need to be removed. All American Septic can help.

If you don't clean your grease or grit trap, the debris will get into the sewer system. This can clog the drain lines and cause a failure in the system. This doesn't just impact your restaurant, but it will affect other facilities down the line.

Because this is such a significant issue for city and municipal maintenance crews, correcting a failed grease or grit trap is far more expensive than maintaining it properly. At All American Septic, our maintenance is designed to help. We can routinely check the grease levels and pump the tank as needed.

Call All American Septic and get a free, same-day estimate on grease and grit trap cleaning within 30 miles. We offer same-day service and emergency help 24/7 with responses in one or two hours.

How Grease Trap Cleaning Works

There are several things we consider when maintaining your grease trap at All American Septic. First, we look at the tank. We want to see how much grease has accumulated on the walls. If the grease layer exceeds a fourth of the tank's capacity, the risk of spillage and environmental degradation is pronounced. The tank must be cleaned.

We may also address the inflow lines, outflow lines, and drain lines. These can also become clogged with buildup as time goes on. To clean these, we use hydro jetting. This is done at least once a year to reduce the risk of clogs and prevent municipal fines.

How long will you need between cleanouts? That depends on how much your system is used and how many people it serves. Your daily practices will also affect the need for cleaning. To learn more about cleaning your grease or grit trap, call All American Septic. We can answer your questions and assess your system. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction!

Signs You Need a Grease Trap Service in Houston, TX

Recognizing the signs that your grease trap needs professional cleaning with our grease trap service in Houston, TX is crucial for maintaining a functional and compliant plumbing system. Ignoring these indicators can lead to costly repairs, environmental hazards, and even municipal fines. Regular vigilance and prompt action can save you significant trouble and expense in the long run.

Here are the key signs that suggest your grease trap requires immediate attention from our grease trap service in Houston, TX:

• Foul Odors: A strong, putrid smell emanating from your kitchen drains or the grease trap itself is a primary indicator. This odor is caused by the decomposition of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) within the trap.
• Slow Drains or Backups: If your sinks, dishwashers, or other kitchen fixtures are draining slowly, or if you experience frequent backups, it's a clear sign of a clog. This buildup often occurs when the grease trap is overflowing with FOG and solid waste.
• Water Pooling Around the Trap: Visible water pooling around the grease trap or on the floor nearby suggests an overflow or a leak caused by excessive buildup within the trap.
• Grease Accumulation in Pipes: If you notice grease or oily residue accumulating in your pipes or drain lines downstream from the trap, it means the trap is no longer effectively containing the FOG.
• Visible Grease in the Trap: A visual inspection of your grease trap will reveal a thick layer of solidified grease and food particles. If this layer exceeds a quarter of the trap's capacity, it's time for a cleaning.
• Pest Infestations: The strong odors and decomposing organic matter in an overflowing grease trap can attract pests like rodents and insects, which can pose a health hazard.
• Gurgling Sounds from Drains: Unusual gurgling noises coming from your drains can indicate air trapped in the pipes due to partial blockages, often caused by grease buildup.
• Increased Frequency of Pumping: If you find yourself needing to pump your grease trap more often than usual, it could be a sign that it's no longer performing optimally and requires a thorough cleaning or re-evaluation of your waste management practices.

By paying close attention to these warning signs, you can proactively address grease trap issues before they escalate into major problems. Regular maintenance and timely cleaning with a grease trap service in Houston, TX are essential for preventing system failures, ensuring compliance with health and environmental regulations, and maintaining a hygienic and efficient kitchen operation. Don't wait for a crisis; be proactive in managing your grease trap and contact our grease trap service in Houston, TX today.

Why You Shouldn't Clean Your Grease Trap Yourself

While the idea of saving money by cleaning your grease trap yourself might be tempting, it's a task best left to professionals. There are several significant reasons why attempting a DIY grease trap cleaning can lead to more problems than solutions:

• Hazardous Materials and Health Risks: Grease traps contain a highly unpleasant and potentially hazardous mixture of decomposed fats, oils, grease (FOG), and food particles. This sludge is teeming with bacteria, emits foul odors, and can be a breeding ground for pests.
• Lack of Proper Equipment: Professional grease trap cleaning requires specialized equipment, such as powerful vacuum trucks for efficient pumping and hydro jetting tools for thoroughly cleaning lines. Attempting to scoop out the sludge manually is not only ineffective but also extremely messy and unsanitary.
• Incomplete Cleaning and Recurring Issues: A superficial cleaning will only provide temporary relief. Without the ability to fully empty the trap and clear all the inflow, outflow, and drain lines of accumulated FOG, you'll find yourself dealing with slow drains, backups, and foul odors much sooner.
• Potential for Damage and Costly Repairs: Incorrectly disassembling or cleaning a grease trap can lead to damage to the unit itself or the connected plumbing. You could crack pipes, dislodge seals, or even damage the trap's internal components, resulting in expensive repairs that far outweigh any initial savings from a DIY attempt.
• Environmental and Legal Consequences: Improper disposal of grease trap waste is a major environmental concern and can lead to significant fines.

While the upfront cost of professional grease trap cleaning might seem like an expense, it's an investment in the long-term health of your plumbing system, the safety of your establishment, and compliance with regulations. Trusting the job to experienced professionals ensures a thorough, safe, and environmentally responsible cleaning that prevents costly problems down the line.

Call Now for a Grease Trap Service Houston, TX Depends On

To get service for your grease or grit trap, All American Septic is here. With service in Harris County, TX and beyond, we've got 20 years of experience and competitive pricing.

Our experience is also backed by full licensure, insurance, and bonding. We have certified crane operators on the job for big projects, and we offer warranties. Ongoing education matters to us, so we train our staff weekly on mechanical components.

As for our pricing, be sure to let us know if you're a senior or a member of the military. We offer discounts. We can also match any written offer from a reputable competitor. Call (281) 205-4006 today!