Fats, oils and grease poured down kitchen drains cool, harden and stick to pipe walls. Over time they cause blockages, odours and costly overflows. A correctly sized grease trap (also called a grease interceptor) separates grease from wastewater before it reaches the drainage network. In the UAE it is a requirement for food outlets.
How a grease trap works
Wastewater enters the trap and slows down. Grease, which is lighter than water, floats to the top and is held back by baffles. Solids settle at the bottom, and the cleaner water leaves through the outlet.
Sizing basics
Sizing depends on the flow rate from sinks and equipment, the type of food prepared, and the required retention time. A busy restaurant needs far more capacity than a small café. Local authority requirements should always be checked for each project.
Location
- As close as practical to the fixtures it serves, so grease does not cool in long pipe runs.
- With clear access for inspection and cleaning.
- Under-sink units for small outlets, and larger floor or in-ground units for big kitchens.
Materials
Alphatek supplies PVC grease traps fabricated in the UAE from 7.7 mm BS EN 1401 PVC sheet, in Type A, B and C, or made to your size, inlet and outlet positions to suit tight spaces.
Maintenance is everything
- Remove accumulated grease regularly, as often as weekly for busy kitchens.
- Never use hot water or chemicals to “flush” grease through.
- Keep a cleaning log, which authorities may ask to see.
Under-sink, in-floor or external?
| Location | Best for |
|---|---|
| Under the sink | A single sink or small café; emptied often |
| Recessed in the floor | Several fixtures, with the cover flush to the floor |
| External chamber | The whole kitchen, with access for desludging |
Type A, B or C?
The right type depends on the number of sinks and dishwashers and how busy the kitchen is. Send us your kitchen layout and we will recommend the type. See grease traps.
Pair it with the right floor drains
Floor drains with removable baskets catch food solids before they reach the grease trap. See commercial kitchen floor drains.
Car parks and workshops
Oil and fuel need an oil interceptor, not a grease trap. See the PVC oil interceptor.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a grease trap be emptied?
Empty the solids basket daily in busy kitchens and remove the grease layer regularly, as often as weekly.
Can a grease trap be made to fit my space?
Yes. PVC grease traps are made to your size, inlet and outlet positions and cover type.
Grease trap or oil interceptor?
A grease trap for kitchen waste water; an oil interceptor for car parks, workshops and wash bays.
Custom grease traps
We supply and fabricate grease traps and interceptors to your drawings. See our grease traps and interceptors.
Related products: PVC Oil Interceptor · Commercial Kitchen Floor Drains · Hinged Cover Floor Drain