Ready to tackle the messiest job you have ever attempted? Grease trap cleaning is not for those who are queasy. You can expect loads of dirt and grime in addition to grease and dirty, smelly water, sludge and other slimy liquids that aren't just unpleasant but can also pose a health risk. It's also worth noting that you need to have the specific grease trap cleaning equipment that's not really handy.
This said, the task isn't all that complicated but can take time as well as some elbow grease. It is therefore important to be prepared and follow a step-by-step process to ensure that the job is done right the first time.
Step 1 - The Gear
You will need a crwobar, wrench, gas mask, a protective suit as well as a durable pair of rubber gloves that preferably cover your arms up to the elbows. A gas mask may seem unnecessary but when you first get a whiff of that dirty liquid in the tank, you will be sorry that you didn't wear one.
You will also need a crowbar, wrench, scraper (a small paint scraper will do), a small vacuum or pump and a bucket and scoop. Have all these items ready before you start.
Step 2 - Open It Up
Turn the machine off and wait for it to cool. The grease trap will have a lid or cover that will need to be removed in order to clean it. While some lids just snap off, you may need a crowbar to pry others loose. Use the wrench to loosen and remove any nuts and bolts before prying the cover off.
Step 3 - Scoop The Sludge
At the top of the tank you will see a layer of a semi-solid substance called sludge. It is a mixture of grease, water and other materials and floats on liquid in the bottome of the tank. Scoop the sludge into the bucket and dispose of it.
Step 4 - Removing The Liquid
Below the sludge is some very dirty and stinky liquid. You can scoop this out as with the sludge although this will take time and effort. It is recommended to use a small vacuum or pump that is designed to deal with dirty water.
Step 5 - Scraping
Once all the liquid has been removed from the tank, scrape every surface and side to remove all remaining grease. Grease will stick to any surface and build up if left unattended.
Step 6 - Inlet And Outlet
Clean grease in and around the water inlet and outlet pipes. Be careful not to push grease into the pipes. Check the pipes for blockages and make sure that they are clear.
Step 7 - Water Flow
Once all the grease is gone, fill 1/3 of the tank with water and check wether water is flowing in and out of the grease trap.
Step 8 - Finish
Replace all parts that you removed as well as the lid and the job is complete.
This may seem simple enough but it can take hours to complete the task and it is highly recommended for grease trap cleaning to be professionally performed.
This said, the task isn't all that complicated but can take time as well as some elbow grease. It is therefore important to be prepared and follow a step-by-step process to ensure that the job is done right the first time.
Step 1 - The Gear
You will need a crwobar, wrench, gas mask, a protective suit as well as a durable pair of rubber gloves that preferably cover your arms up to the elbows. A gas mask may seem unnecessary but when you first get a whiff of that dirty liquid in the tank, you will be sorry that you didn't wear one.
You will also need a crowbar, wrench, scraper (a small paint scraper will do), a small vacuum or pump and a bucket and scoop. Have all these items ready before you start.
Step 2 - Open It Up
Turn the machine off and wait for it to cool. The grease trap will have a lid or cover that will need to be removed in order to clean it. While some lids just snap off, you may need a crowbar to pry others loose. Use the wrench to loosen and remove any nuts and bolts before prying the cover off.
Step 3 - Scoop The Sludge
At the top of the tank you will see a layer of a semi-solid substance called sludge. It is a mixture of grease, water and other materials and floats on liquid in the bottome of the tank. Scoop the sludge into the bucket and dispose of it.
Step 4 - Removing The Liquid
Below the sludge is some very dirty and stinky liquid. You can scoop this out as with the sludge although this will take time and effort. It is recommended to use a small vacuum or pump that is designed to deal with dirty water.
Step 5 - Scraping
Once all the liquid has been removed from the tank, scrape every surface and side to remove all remaining grease. Grease will stick to any surface and build up if left unattended.
Step 6 - Inlet And Outlet
Clean grease in and around the water inlet and outlet pipes. Be careful not to push grease into the pipes. Check the pipes for blockages and make sure that they are clear.
Step 7 - Water Flow
Once all the grease is gone, fill 1/3 of the tank with water and check wether water is flowing in and out of the grease trap.
Step 8 - Finish
Replace all parts that you removed as well as the lid and the job is complete.
This may seem simple enough but it can take hours to complete the task and it is highly recommended for grease trap cleaning to be professionally performed.