“Grease trap” and “grease interceptor” are often used as if they mean the same thing. In practice they describe different sizes of the same idea: a chamber that slows down kitchen wastewater so fats, oils and grease (FOG) float to the top and solids settle, before the cleaner water flows on to the drainage network.
Grease traps
A grease trap is usually a smaller unit installed close to the source – under or next to a sink, dishwasher or kitchen line. It suits cafés, small restaurants, pantries and residential buildings with modest flows, and is cleaned frequently because its capacity is limited.
Grease interceptors
A grease interceptor is a larger unit, often installed outside the kitchen or below ground, that serves several fixtures or a whole building. It holds more FOG between cleanings and suits large restaurants, hotels, malls, food courts and central kitchens.
How to choose
- Flow rate – add up the fixtures that will drain into the unit.
- Space – under-sink and in-floor units for tight kitchens; external chambers for larger flows.
- Maintenance access – the unit must be easy to open and empty on a regular schedule.
- Local requirements – always check the current requirements of your local authority and the project consultant before sizing.
Fabricated PVC units can be made to the exact size and inlet/outlet position your layout needs, which helps when retrofitting existing kitchens.
Need a grease trap or interceptor?
Alphatek fabricates PVC grease traps (Type A, B and C), oil interceptors (50 and 55 GPM), gully traps and sand traps in the UAE from 7.7 mm BS EN 1401 PVC, customised to your drawings. See our grease trap supplier page or request a quote – email sales@alphatek.ae.
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