Keeping your kitchen flowing through the festive season... The festive season, with all its joy and celebration, is also a festival of food, bringing with it a significant increase in demand to restaurants and their kitchens. Christmas menus full of rich, fatty foods mean kitchen grease traps have their work cut out for them. On top of this, the cold weather can sometimes introduce unique challenges to grease management systems too. In this blog, Goodflo’s experts are sharing how to ensure your kitchen grease traps are prepared for the festive rush and the coming winter conditions, helping you maintain smooth kitchen operations at what is often the busiest time of the year.    The Festive Surge: Preparing Your Kitchen Grease Traps     With Christmas menus very often featuring succulent turkeys, rich gravies, and a variety of fried treats, the demand on kitchen grease traps intensifies considerably. The surge in fats, oils and grease (FOG) production can strain an unprepared system. This is where Goodflo's expertise comes into its own, as we can ensure your grease traps and grease removal units efficiently manage this increased FOG output. Ensuring your grease trap is not only operational but also optimised for high volume is crucial. Goodflo offers comprehensive grease trap cleaning and grease trap treatment products , perfectly tailored to maintain system efficiency during your busiest festive kitchen days.    Understanding How Cold Weather Impacts Grease Traps    It’s not always the most obvious thing to think about, but the drop in temperatures during winter can significantly impact the functionality of kitchen grease traps. Colder weather can lead to much quicker solidification of FOG, heightening the risk of blockages and quickly leading to inefficiency. To counteract this, regular checks and maintenance are crucial. Insulating your external grease traps or considering an indoor installation might be beneficial. Goodflo’s range of grease trap treatment products can also play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency of your system in cold weather.  Keeping Your Kitchen Grease Trap at Peak Performance    Amidst the festive cheer, one aspect you can't overlook is the maintenance of your kitchen grease traps. A diligently maintained grease trap not only operates more efficiently but also helps in preventing unwanted odours and unforeseen emergencies that could disrupt your operations. At Goodflo, we specialise in grease trap cleaning for commercial kitchens , offering thorough and reliable services. Our dedicated team ensures that your grease trap is in top condition, ready to manage the expected high volumes of Christmas FOG. Goodflo will keep your grease management system running smoothly, so you can focus on serving the festive spirit without kitchen hiccups.    Managing Grease Trap Emergencies and Post-Christmas Maintenance    Prevention is always better than cure, but the festive season can sometimes bring unexpected grease trap emergencies, like sudden blockages or overflows. Quick thinking is essential in these situations to keep your kitchen open and operating. Keep Goodflo's contact details at hand for swift emergency support, and if you encounter a problem, try to minimise additional wastewater entering the system and pause kitchen operations if at all feasible, to mitigate the issue before help arrives.  Equally important is planning for post-Christmas maintenance. After the high demands of the season, a thorough check of your kitchen grease trap is advisable. Arranging a maintenance visit with Goodflo ensures that any FOG build-up is effectively cleared, and your system is thoroughly assessed for any potential issues. This proactive approach ensures your grease trap continues to function optimally into the new year.   If the season has taken its toll on your ageing device and grease trap cleaning can’t solve the issue, and a new one might be the best course of action, our grease trap supply and install service for commercial kitchens will effortlessly replace your system and have everything working perfectly in no time at all.    Conclusion    The role of grease traps in commercial kitchens is crucial, more so during the busy festive season. Proactive maintenance, understanding the impact of cold weather and having a reliable partner like Goodflo for grease trap cleaning and emergency services can make a world of difference.   This Christmas, make Goodflo your partner for all your grease management needs . Our comprehensive solutions cover everything from installation to cleaning and emergency support. Contact us right here on the website, give us a call on 01926 334466 or email sales@goodflo.com for all your commercial kitchen grease trap needs. 

Running a commercial kitchen can be a fast-paced, high-pressure environment at the best of times. The last thing you’d ever want to worry about is your kitchen having to close down mid-service because of a blockage on your wastewater line or, worse, a significant fine and even legal action for not properly capturing and disposing of your fats, oils and grease (FOG) in line with both local and national legislation.  That's where the grease trap comes into play. These clever units are specially designed to catch and contain FOG before they escape into the municipal sewer system, where they can restrict and eventually block entire sewer lines . Knowing how a grease trap works is a key part of running a clean, efficient and legally compliant kitchen. In this blog, we’ll break down the workings of grease traps and their indispensable role in effective kitchen waste management.    The Engineering Inside a Grease Trap    A grease trap may look like a simple tank on the outside, but inside it’s a clever piece of engineering that takes advantage of the inherent physical properties of fats, oils and grease (FOG). Here’s what happens during each stage of a grease trap's operation:  Inflow: Wastewater, including the mixed-in FOG from cooking, cleaning and dishwashing activities, enters the grease trap. This initial mixture is typically warm, and the FOG particles are dispersed throughout the water.  Cooling Down: As the warm mixture enters the grease trap, the temperature begins to drop which changes the state of the FOG. Cooler temperatures cause the FOGs, which were previously in a semi-liquid state, to start solidifying. This is vital for the separation process.  Separation: Inside the grease trap, a series of baffles (walls) slow the flow of wastewater and create a ‘calm’ zone. This gives the now semi-solid FOG time to rise, forming a floating layer at the top of the trap, while the heavier food particles and solids descend to form a sludge layer at the bottom.  Clear Water Exit: The layering effect means the water in the middle, now largely cleared of FOG and solids, can move to the sewer. This ‘clear zone’ of water exits through an outlet valve positioned between the top layer of FOG and the bottom layer of sludge. It is this process that ensures the effluent leaving the trap is compliant with wastewater regulations.  Collection: Over time, the layer of FOG thickens, reducing the trap's efficiency and capacity. To maintain functionality, this accumulated FOG must be manually removed at regular intervals . The frequency of this maintenance task is dependent on the volume of FOG processed by the kitchen and the capacity of the grease trap.   Disposal: Proper disposal of FOG is also a critical step, often requiring specialised services to ensure environmental regulations are met.  The effectiveness of a grease trap is a direct result of its design and the precision with which each of these stages is managed. By exploiting the simplicity of natural separation based on density differences, engineers have created a system that is not only effective but also integral to the modern commercial kitchen.    Choosing and Maintaining Your Grease Trap with Goodflo    In the bustling environment of a commercial kitchen, the right grease trap is not just an accessory but a necessity. Goodflo understands this and we offer a variety of grease trap solutions tailored to different kitchen sizes and needs. From compact under-sink models, perfect for smaller spaces, to advanced automatic grease removal units for larger operations, our selection ensures that your kitchen remains efficient, compliant and environmentally conscious.  Proper installation and maintenance are key to the performance of your grease trap. At Goodflo, we provide expert installation services to ensure your grease trap is perfectly positioned and sized for your kitchen's specific demands. But our commitment to your kitchen's efficiency doesn't end there. Our comprehensive maintenance programs are designed to keep your system running smoothly, preventing common problems such as unpleasant odours and disruptive blockages.  Partnering with Goodflo means investing in a solution that upholds these standards, ensuring your operations support sustainability goals and meet wastewater regulations.    Grease Traps in the Spotlight    The significance of a well-chosen, expertly installed and meticulously maintained grease trap cannot be overstated. It is the unseen hero of kitchen waste management, a role that Goodflo is proud to support. By collaborating with us, you invest in more than just a product – you engage in a partnership that guarantees a greener, more efficient and regulation-compliant kitchen operation.  For a comprehensive grease management solution that aligns with your kitchen’s performance and compliance needs, turn to Goodflo. Get in touch with us today on 01926 334466 , email sales@goodflo.com , or use our easy online form and we’ll quickly get back to you. 

A kitchen grease trap, sometimes referred to as a grease interceptor, is a device designed to intercept and separate fats, oils, grease (FOG) and solid waste from wastewater, prior to entering the sewage system. Having an efficient grease trap system in your commercial kitchen is extremely important as it prevents substances from entering septic tanks and sewer systems that could cause blockages and backups, which could result in costly repairs or health and hygiene hazards.     In this article, we are going to give you the top tips to make sure all grease traps for commercial kitchens are running at optimum performance.   Top Tips for Optimum   Grease Trap Performance   1. Scrape Plates  Some of the greatest bits of advice are also the simplest to action. Before dishes are washed or put through a dishwasher, scrape them thoroughly into a food waste or compost bin to reduce the volume of solids that could get into the grease trap system.     2. Cool Greases  At hotter temperatures, fats, oil and grease can be in a liquid state, allowing them to easily pass into a kitchen grease trap, but as they cool, they solidify and can create severe blockages. After cooking, pour all FOGs into a separate container, allow it to cool and solidify, and scrape it into a rubbish bin.    3. Catch Strainers  Installing catch strainers over all food sink drains is another great way to reduce solids and FOGs entering the systems and causing potentially costly repairs. Simply install one to your sink to catch food and solid particles and ensure you regularly clean your strainers to prevent build-up.     4. Mindful Disposal  Only use a garbage disposal system when absolutely necessary, as they can increase the number of solids and food particles in the wastewater that enters the sewage system.    5. Educate Staff  Of course, it is best practice for all aspects of your business to educate staff to ensure optimal operation throughout, but when running a commercial kitchen with a grease trap system, it is important to supply training that fully explains the importance of a grease trap and how to dispose of FOGs properly.     6. Regular Cleaning  A kitchen grease trap system must be regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure it is functioning properly. Depending on the volume of FOG your kitchen produces, this may be a monthly, quarterly or annual task.     7. Routine Inspection  It is paramount to routinely inspect your grease trap for any signs of damage or wear that could reduce functionality or result in costly repairs. Catching problems early can save money and prevent more significant issues down the road. Contact a grease trap supplier like Goodflo to enquire about an inspection service.     8. Avoid Chemicals  Avoid the use of any chemicals where possible including bleach, detergents or other grease dissolvers, as they might simply move the grease further along the sewer line rather than dissolve it, leading to bigger problems and greater potential health and hygiene risks.     9. Keep Records  Maintain a log of all maintenance and cleaning activities to help you determine the right frequency for your kitchen grease trap cleaning, whilst also aiding local authority compliance when demonstrating your hygienic cleaning practises during an official inspection.     10. Professional Maintenance   Consider hiring a professional service to clean and maintain your grease trap, especially if you are running a busy commercial kitchen. They can ensure everything is being done correctly and offer advice on improvements or in emergency situations.     At Goodflo , we have over 20 years of experience in the supply, service and maintenance of grease traps for commercial kitchens, and are always keen to help new customers experience optimum equipment efficiency and sustainability. Click here to discover all the services we supply and how they can improve your kitchen.    

Summer is here again and that can quite often mean that restaurants, cafés and other food service establishments experience a surge in patronage. As a trusted grease trap supplier, we understand that along with this welcome increase in business, your kitchen's grease trap system can also face a significant strain. The combination of higher temperatures and more frequent use can cause your grease trap to function less effectively and may lead to more frequent breakdowns. This blog post outlines an essential summer maintenance checklist for your commercial kitchen grease trap to keep it operating optimally.   The Importance of Regular Grease Trap Maintenance   A grease trap is a vital (not to mention legally required ) component of any commercial kitchen, designed to prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from clogging your drainage system and causing problems further down the line. A malfunctioning or ineffective trap can lead to blocked pipes, unpleasant odours, and even hefty fines for non-compliance with environmental regulations. During the hot summer months, your grease trap system often works harder due to an increase in business. Concurrently, the warm weather can liquefy the FOG, leading to a quicker build-up and necessitating more frequent cleaning. That's why incorporating regular maintenance into your routine is so important, especially during hotter days and weeks.   Your Summer Grease Trap Maintenance Checklist   As temperatures rise and the long summer days get busier, your commercial kitchen faces its own unique set of challenges. A well-maintained kitchen grease trap can ensure your operations run smoothly throughout the bustling summer season. Here, we've outlined a comprehensive summer maintenance checklist for your grease trap to help you avoid any potential disruptions and keep your trap performing at its very best. Consistent Cleaning: Regular grease trap cleaning should be a year-round practice, but it becomes even more critical during the summer. Increased usage combined with rising temperatures can cause FOG (fats, oils and grease) to accumulate at a faster rate. If you're not cleaning your kitchen grease trap frequently, it can quickly become overfilled and less effective, causing costly and time-consuming problems. Damage Inspection: Grease traps are designed for durability, but they're not immune to wear and tear. Regularly inspect yours for signs of damage, including leaks and cracks. Addressing these minor issues quickly can prevent them from escalating into bigger failures. Seals and Connections: The seals and connections of your grease trap can deteriorate over time, which can lead to leaks. As part of your summer maintenance routine, ensure all seals are intact and all connections are secure. Drain Line Maintenance: The drain line that leads to your grease trap also needs attention. Make sure it's clear and free of blockages to allow the smooth flow of wastewater. Using high-quality grease trap treatment products will help maintain a clear, functioning drain line. Proper FOG Disposal: It's important to note that legal guidelines stipulate appropriate FOG disposal methods . Especially during busy periods, ensure that you're following these guidelines and not just pouring FOG down the sink. Professional Grease Trap Service: During the bustling summer months, outsourcing to a professional grease trap service can be beneficial. These experts can ensure your system is maintained to the highest standards, allowing you to focus on your business operations without worrying about grease trap issues. A summer maintenance plan is crucial to ensure your kitchen's grease trap system functions optimally. While this checklist provides a great starting point, the importance of professional grease trap service cannot be overstated. A reputable grease trap supplier , such as Goodflo, can offer tailored grease trap cleaning solutions, efficient grease trap treatment products, and expert advice.   The Benefits of Regular Summer Grease Trap Maintenance   Don't let grease trap troubles slow you down this summer - proactive maintenance and professional support are the key to a hassle-free and efficient commercial kitchen operation. Adhering to this checklist not only helps extend the lifespan of your grease trap system but also saves money in the long run by preventing costly emergency repairs. If you need assistance, remember that Goodflo’s professional grease trap services are available to make your job easier. Together, let's ensure your kitchen is ready to handle the summer rush and continue serving fantastic seasonal food to your customers. Got questions or need help? Call us on 01926 334466 or email sales@goodflo.com and we’ll be delighted to help you.

Grease traps play a vital role in commercial kitchens, acting as the first line of defence against fats, oils and grease (FOG) build-up in your plumbing system and the wider municipal sewer network. While installing a grease trap is an important ( and legally required ) first step, regular grease trap maintenance and cleaning are equally crucial.   Failure to keep a grease trap clean can impede and eventually stop its operation and cause untold problems in your kitchen, and further down the wastewater line too. Downtime in a restaurant kitchen is never a good thing and correct grease trap cleaning processes need to be implemented and followed to ensure your FOG obligations are met and that your business can continue to operate at maximum efficiency.  In this article, we'll explore why proper grease trap cleaning is essential, the benefits it brings to your kitchen and how professional grease trap services from Goodflo can help you to find the ultimate grease management solution for your business.    The Importance of Grease Trap Maintenance    Regular cleaning and maintenance of your grease traps is vital for several reasons. First and foremost, they help prevent clogs and backups in your kitchen plumbing. As fats, oils and grease (FOG) accumulate in your grease trap over time, they can solidify and cause blockages. By staying on top of cleaning, you can ensure the smooth flow of wastewater, minimising the risk of costly and unnecessary grease trap repairs and potential kitchen downtime.  Additionally, proper grease trap maintenance ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. Many jurisdictions have specific guidelines regarding grease trap maintenance, and failure to adhere to these regulations can result in heavy fines and even prosecution . By regularly cleaning your grease trap, you not only meet these requirements but also contribute to a safer and healthier environment for your staff and customers.    Extending the Lifespan of Grease Traps    Another advantage of regular grease trap maintenance is that it will help extend the lifespan of your grease trap. You’ve invested in the technology and it’s important to get a good return on that investment by keeping the device in good working order. Grease traps that are neglected and not cleaned on time can experience an excessive build-up of FOG, leading to loss of function, corrosion and other damage.   Grease trap cleaning and maintenance should be carried out every three to six months at the very least, depending on the size of your business and daily grease trap usage. By investing in routine cleaning, you help prolong the life of your grease trap, reducing the need for premature replacements and saving costs in the long run. Consult with the professionals at Goodflo for help in assessing your specific needs, and then develop a cleaning schedule that works best for your kitchen.    Grease Trap Cleaning: Professional vs Do-It-Yourself    You may wonder whether you can handle grease trap cleaning yourself or whether it’s better to hire professionals. While some businesses choose the DIY route to cut costs, it's essential to consider the expertise and equipment required for effective cleaning.   Professional grease trap cleaning services have the knowledge, experience, and specialised tools to tackle even the toughest grease trap challenges. They can ensure thorough cleaning, proper disposal of FOG, and compliance with regulations. Grease trap service and maintenance is just one of the helpful services we offer here at Goodflo to help lessen the load on kitchen managers.    Signs of a Dirty Grease Trap    It's important to be aware of the warning signs that indicate your grease trap needs cleaning. Slow drainage, foul odours, gurgling sounds in the plumbing system and visible grease build-up are all red flags. If you notice any of these signs, it's time for grease trap cleaning to prevent further complications and damage to your system.    Steps for Proper Grease Trap Cleaning    While it's recommended (and so much easier) to hire a professional service like the one provided by Goodflo for grease trap cleaning and maintenance, understanding the process can help you make informed decisions and better understand the performance of your unit. Here are the basic steps involved in cleaning a grease trap:  Preparation: Clear the area around the grease trap and ensure proper safety measures are in place before removing the lid of your grease trap.  Removal of FOG: Skim off the floating grease layer and remove any solid debris.  Scrubbing: Thoroughly clean the grease trap walls, baffles and components using appropriate tools and environmentally friendly cleaning agents.  Rinse and Inspect: Rinse the trap with hot water and inspect for any signs of damage or malfunction that may need to be addressed.  Proper Disposal: Ensure that the collected FOG is disposed of in compliance with local regulations and obtain the necessary compliance paperwork.  While DIY cleaning can seem tempting, the benefits of professional grease trap services are undeniable. Professionals like the engineers here at Goodflo have the expertise to clean your grease trap thoroughly, identify potential issues and provide maintenance recommendations. We also offer additional services like grease trap repairs, installations and grease recycling , providing a comprehensive solution for your kitchen's grease management needs.  We also recommend and supply the Goodflo G-Bag System which makes FOG management easier and more stress-free than ever. If you feel your current grease trap may be reaching the end of its life, talk to us about our innovative, simple and hygienic solution that uses strong liners inside your grease trap to allow simple removal of FOG when cleaning time comes around.    Goodflo: Over Twenty Years of Experience in Commercial Grease Management    Regular grease trap cleaning is an essential practice that ensures the efficiency, compliance and longevity of your kitchen's plumbing system. By investing in proper grease trap maintenance, you save costs in the long run.  From the supply and installation of grease traps to our grease trap service and maintenance plans , Goodflo can take away the worry of staying on top of your FOG obligations. Contact us today on 01926 334466 , email us at sales@goodflo.com or use our online contact form for more information. 

Legal requirements can be difficult to wrap your head around at times and some seem as if they’re directly working against you. Nonetheless, they must be adhered to otherwise you will face a storm of legal action and could face fines and even prosecution. When running a restaurant or a business that serves hot food, it is a legal requirement to own a grease trap. Not only do these effectively help to manage waste but are required to adhere to numerous laws. Some of these laws and regulations have been in place for more than 20 years and were created to protect staff, customers and the environment. Grease trap laws in the UK are nothing new, but what do these laws mean for food service businesses and how can they adhere to them? Here at Goodflo , we know a thing or two about grease traps and why grease traps are required by law. Understanding the laws is important if you are running a business where grease is a product of the job, additionally, you could install a grease trap in your home if you wanted. In this blog, we will outline the various grease trap UK laws and regulations that mandate why and where a grease trap is needed. What is a grease trap? Before we look at the UK laws, let’s first define what a grease trap is. A grease trap, also known as a grease interceptor, is a solution to prevent blockages and clogs in sewage and water systems caused by FOGs (Fats, Oils, and Grease). Grease traps will efficiently collect the FOGs before they enter a sewage system and store them in a separate container which can then be discarded properly and legally. Are there different types of grease traps? There is a wide selection of grease traps available in the UK that will suit different businesses for different reasons. Grease management for commercial kitchens can be solved by different types of grease traps including: Above-ground grease traps Underground grease traps Grease dosing systems Grease removal units Within each of these types of grease traps, there are different models to choose from and it is important to conduct research and seek advice on which grease trap will work best for you. For more information, you can read our blog on the many benefits and types of grease traps available in the UK. Why are grease traps required by law? The grease trap laws in the UK help protect the environment and public safety if FOGs that are produced in businesses, such as commercial kitchens, are not managed effectively, they will cause drastic issues and problems within the UK sewage and water systems. Here are the legislations and laws businesses must follow relating to the management and disposal of FOGs: Building Act 1984 Established in 1984, section 59 of this law states that local authority requires satisfactory provision for drainage of an existing building by an owner and failure to do so will mean the service of a notice on the owner – one of these provisions can include the installation of a grease trap. Food Safety Act 1990 If you are found to have problems arising from the effect of FOGs on drains, local authorities have the power to inspect premises under the Food Safety Act 1990. If your business is failing to comply with the Food Hygiene Regulations, you could face prosecution or an emergency prohibition order which prevents any trade from taking place on the property – in other words, they will shut your business down. Environmental Protection Act 1990/Environmental Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environmental Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 as amended, states that every commercial premise arranging collection and disposal of waste – which includes FOGs – must ensure that the waste is managed correctly from where it is produced to where it is disposed of by a registered waste courier. Additionally, a record must be kept of all collections and the producer of the waste must be satisfied that the waste has been taken to a licensed disposal site. Any environmental inspection agent or local authority can request documentation relating to the registration of waste couriers. If the waste producer can not produce these documents, then they could face a fixed penalty of £300, or face prosecution. Water Industry Act 1991 Under section 111 of the Water Industry Act 1991, it is a criminal offence to discharge any matter into the public sewage system, which could interfere with the free flow of wastewater. Prosecution, imprisonment and substantial fines can result from causing blockages, pollution and flooding with costs incurred to fix the damages. There are several other UK grease trap laws and regulations that businesses need to follow, where you can find all the information here, on our legal compliance page . Grease management solutions with Goodflo It is vital that if your business is producing grease and other FOGs you have a grease trap installed. Fortunately, Goodflo is here to help! We are expert, professional and licensed suppliers and installers of grease traps and other grease management solutions, in addition to providing servicing and maintenance plans to keep your grease traps running for years to come. We are also fully licensed to remove waste that is produced. Contact us for a wide selection of grease traps and grease management solutions for your business. You can call us on 01926 334466 or send us an email at sales@goodflo.com .  

What Is a Grease Trap? A grease trap is a device that captures fats, oils and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it enters the sewer system. They are commonly used in commercial kitchens and food service establishments to prevent FOG from causing blockages and backups or other plumbing issues. Grease trap cleaning works by using gravity to separate FOG from wastewater. The wastewater enters the grease trap, slowing down and allowing FOG to float to the top of the trap. The FOG is then trapped while the wastewater continues to flow out of the trap and into the sewer system. Some kitchen grease traps are manual systems and require regular cleaning, whereas automatic grease traps need less maintenance and biological traps use enzymes to break the FOG down safely and without the use of chemicals. Regardless of which type of grease trap cleaner you install, they will filter out the FOG and other waste items, to keep the plumbing equipment clear and prevent damaging materials from entering the wastewater systems causing damage and health hazards. This blog will examine what grease traps are, and why they’ve become so popular for commercial and food service kitchens. When Was the Grease Trap Invented? You may be surprised to know that there has been evidence found of grease trap installations as far back as the Greek and Roman civilisations. However, the first modern grease traps - that we know today - harken back to the late 19 th century when the first patent was issued to Nathaniel Whiting, in 1884, in the USA. Since this patent was granted, the number of grease traps being installed has grown massively - as the recognition of the damage that can be caused by FOG build-up in the sewer systems has been better understood. In the UK, laws were created around the treatment of wastewater as a clearer understanding emerged of the damage to the environment, as well as the threat to health, that is created by untreated water and the related blockages. The Water Industry Act of 1991 and the Environmental Protection Regulations of 2003 established legislation surrounding the installation of grease trap cleaning and the responsibilities of food service owners. Why Are Grease Traps Necessary? If a cleaning grease trap is not installed where wastewater exits a kitchen or commercial food service outlet, then the FOG enters the wastewater system where it can solidify and lead to blockages or reduced flow in pipes, pumps and other equipment. These blockages can cause costly and time-consuming repairs, as well as health and environmental hazards. They can contaminate waterways, harm aquatic life and cause unpleasant odours. Kitchen grease traps separate the damaging FOG from the water and reduce the need for costly repairs as well as protecting the environment. What Are The Problems of Not Having a Grease Trap Cleaning System? There are a variety of problems that not having a grease trap cleaning system installed will lead to: Clogs and backups – which result in unpleasant smells, slow draining water and in severe cases, wastewater overflows. Plumbing system damage – building up FOG can cause damage to plumbing systems in terms of corrosion, leaks and burst pipes. Health hazards – overflowing wastewater creates unsanitary conditions which can lead to the spread of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Environmental damage – wastewater that contains FOG can harm the environment by polluting waterways, contaminating soil and harming aquatic life. Fines and legal action – businesses failing to comply with the legislation to install grease trap cleaning systems find themselves facing legal action, fines and damage to their reputation. What Are the Benefits of Having a Kitchen Grease Trap Installed? The other side of the coin is the many benefits of having a cleaning grease trap system installed: Preventing plumbing system damage – preventing FOGs from entering the plumbing systems prevents the damage that they can cause and the cost of repairing them as well. Improving sanitation - there are no nasty smells or wastewater backups and there will be a vastly reduced risk of hazards to health. Improved efficiency – without any blockages or backups the plumbing systems will work more quickly and efficiently. Saving money – reducing the risks of damage to plumbing systems, minimising the need for maintenance and cleaning as well as removing the potential for lawsuits and fines will all save money long term. Legal compliance – fitting a kitchen grease trap ensures you’re complying with the legal requirements for treating your FOG waste and prevents fines and legal action. Kitchen Grease Traps – the Rise in Popularity Grease trap cleaning has gained in popularity due to increasing awareness of the negative effects of FOG on the environment and plumbing systems. The implementation of legal requirements for food service establishments to manage their FOG also has led to more grease traps being purchased and installed. The benefits of grease traps, beyond their mere compliance, have also begun to be recognised by food service owners in terms of reduced bad smells, more efficient plumbing systems and lower plumbing repair bills. Automatic grease traps are extremely popular as they can remove FOG even more efficiently than traditional grease traps, reducing further the amount of FOG that enters the sewer systems. Automatic grease traps also require much less maintenance than traditional traps which need manual cleaning regularly, and as they are also often more compact than traditional grease traps, they are the perfect solution for businesses with limited space. Goodflo understands the legal requirements of installing grease trap cleaning systems for your food service outlet and our team of experienced engineers is happy to help you find and install the ideal grease trap system for your kitchen and business. With vast experience in the industry and a team of highly-qualified experts, we are confident that we can support your grease trap installation from start to finish. Get in touch today, or email us at sales@goodflo.com to discuss your grease trap cleaning requirements.

Have you been thinking about upgrading or replacing your grease trap? Are you brand new to the food service sector and need to find out what a grease trap is and why they are essential? Goodflo can help. For over 20 years we have been supplying and maintaining cost-effective grease management solutions for kitchens of all sizes. We offer several grease management plans and will supply and install your equipment and service and maintain it. A new grease trap may be purchased for a variety of reasons, such as to replace an old or malfunctioning one, to accommodate an increase in the volume of grease in your wastewater, or to bring your fats, oils, and grease (FOG) compliance up to date. Newer grease traps may also have improved design features or technology that can increase efficiency and reduce maintenance requirements. As a leading grease trap supplier, we are renowned for our end-to-end service. Goodflo has the expertise to manage your system right through from purchase and installation to the maintenance of the equipment and the disposal of waste. With Goodflo, FOG compliance is one more business headache you can hand over to the experts. Do I Need a New Grease Trap? Grease management is a fundamental part of running a modern kitchen and any business cooking hot food is required by law to have a grease trap, sometimes known as a grease separator. Maybe you’re looking to open a new restaurant or food service business or are just keen to modernise and stay up to date with the law. Here are the top reasons that business owners and kitchen managers come to Goodflo for our grease trap services. New Business: Are you new to the industry? The bottom line is that if your business cooks hot meals, you will need a grease trap. Put simply, a grease trap stops fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the sewer system, removing it from kitchen wastewater and allowing the decontaminated water to pass into the sewer. The FOG will be trapped in a box in your kitchen and will need regular cleaning and registered disposal of the waste. Our experts will talk you through these processes and help you find the right solution for your business. Legal Compliance: The law around the disposal of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) is clear – they must not make their way into the sewer system under any circumstances. We’ve collected key parts of the legislation if you want to learn more. There are significant fines and even a risk of prosecution for any business that doesn’t meet this compliance. Grease trap waste is classified as controlled waste by the Environment Agency and can only legally be removed from your site by a registered waste carrier such as Goodflo. We will also manage full environmental and legal compliance documentation on your behalf. (Goodflo Ltd Waste Carriers License: CBDU63089.) Business Growth: If your food service business or restaurant is growing, it may be time to move to a larger underground grease management tank system if space allows. You may even be moving to new, larger premises and need to start over with a new grease trap service. Failing Equipment and Avoiding Downtime: Nothing lasts forever, and eventually your grease management solution will need some serious maintenance or even replacement altogether. Rather than seeing this as an inconvenience and expense, it could instead be a great opportunity to look at new technology and services that will save you time and money in the long run. A broken-down grease trap or indeed a blocked sewer will cause serious repercussions to your kitchen and business, and can easily be avoided with our services. Environmental Concerns: All the waste we collect is reused or recycled – none of it goes to landfill. Certain types of waste can be processed into an environmentally friendly, carbon-neutral diesel alternative, and grease trap waste can even be used to generate green energy. If you would like to learn more about what grease traps do, how they work and why they’re needed, head over to our Knowledge Centre . Easy Grease Management Solutions You can speak to the experts in grease management by calling 01926 334466 . Our end-to-end grease trap service can take a lot of worry off your shoulders, and our friendly team are ready to advise you on your requirements and provide a free, no-obligation quote. You can also email us at sales@goodflo.com if you prefer, or you can fill out our online contact form . With over 20 years of experience in grease management and grease trap services, we look forward to making your FOG obligations easy and stress-free to manage.

The first ever grease trap was patented in 1883/4 by Nathaniel T. Whiting and has become a legal requirement in the UK today for any hot food service provider. According to the Water Industry Act 1991 , Section 111 it is a criminal offence to throw or permit anything to empty into a public sewer that is going to create a blockage or impede the treatment of the water, water flow or its contents. Other legislation, such as the Environmental Protection Act 1990 means that all waste has to be properly disposed of, and, as the Food Safety Act 1990 states that companies must deal with the build-up or blockage caused by fats, oils and greases (FOGs), otherwise it will mean they fail to comply with food hygiene regulations. What is a grease trap? Underground grease traps, or grease interceptors, are an essential part of any food service business’s wastewater management system. These grease traps help to prevent clogs and blockages in the sewerage system caused by FOGs that are deposited down drains when washing dishes or cleaning cooking equipment. The build-up can cause major problems for the entire sewer system as grease and other materials will accumulate over time and form large masses of debris called fatbergs. Grease traps operate by collecting grease and other solid waste before it enters the sewers. The grease is then held in a container while water passes through, allowing only clean water to be discharged into the local sewer systems. The FOG is then disposed of properly and can even be recycled in some instances. Waste from grease traps can be mixed with sawdust, moss or wood chips and used for composting or can be turned into biodiesel. How does a grease trap work? A grease trap is essentially a box into which all wastewater from sinks, pot wash and dishwashers in a hot food providing kitchen empties into. They work on the principle that FOG materials float and other solid particles sink, allowing the baffles to trap these elements so that the remaining wastewater can then flow out into the sewer system to be water treated. Depending on the size of the kitchen and the amount of food being produced daily, and therefore the amount of FOG produced, a kitchen will have one, or several, grease trap units installed, ensuring that between 50% - 90% of FOGs are successfully eliminated. Most traps will need to be cleaned out every 90 days, although depending on how much food is produced by the kitchen and the size of the degreaser, it may be more like every one to two months unless an automatic grease trap is fitted. What types of grease traps are available? There are several different types of grease traps: Grease traps, or separators, literally trap FOG within them and allow the cleaner wastewater to pass through into the sewer. They require a professional service to empty and clean them regularly. A grease trap works well for lower volumes of flow, such as is created by smaller cafes and restaurants. Grease Removal Units (GRU) or grease interceptors, are like the standard grease trap, but they remove the food debris and FOG into external units ready for disposal. These are generally required for larger-scaled establishments, such as top restaurant chains and fast-food outlets, which have a higher volume of flow daily. Dosing Systems introduce a biological element into the treatment of FOG which breaks it down into less harmful products. The Goodflo patented G-Bag grease trap which doesn’t require an electrical supply, manual bailing or suction cleaning and features a unique plastic bag or trap with integrated pipework and baffles which can simply be removed and replaced when required. Some systems are manual, or passive, and require regular cleaning out by a professional service, whereas automatic systems are designed to work to remove the FOG on a predetermined schedule. Grease traps can be located above ground or below, and inside the kitchen or outside the building. Your grease management process will be dependent on what is already installed in your kitchen or the available space for installing new equipment. What are the benefits? To start with, the main benefit is that you will be environmentally and legally compliant. As stated above, there are a lot of legalities surrounding this issue, to prevent the build-up of blockages and the environmental impact these can have. Any hot food-producing kitchen that doesn’t have a grease trapping system is liable to hefty fines and lawsuits. A grease trap for your kitchen will make sure that the public sewerage system next to your company won’t become blocked. A blockage can cause the backing up of wastewater and sewage into your kitchen which is unhygienic and unpleasant and will cause damage as well as downtime, all of which means huge expenses for the business. Without a grease trap, food waste and FOG can consolidate into a solid mass, or even a fatberg, which becomes difficult or nearly impossible to remove or clean properly, thereby causing wastewater to drain more slowly. So, installing an effective grease management system will prevent this situation. Bad smells are also caused by poor grease management. The solid food waste particles and FOG breaks down releasing hydrogen sulphur gas which percolates back into the kitchen making an unpleasant environment for staff and customers. The resulting sulphuric acid will also begin to break down the inside of the tank and mean that an expensive replacement is needed. A system that effectively removes food particles and FOG prevents these damaging issues. Any of the effects listed above - which are likely to result from poor handling of grease and waste management - will ultimately result in downtime for the business as well as large outlays in fixing damage and problems, so the bottom line is that the biggest benefit of an effective grease trap is that it is going to save you money in the long run. Goodflo has been in the business of installing internal and external grease traps for years across the UK, and has the expertise to advise and install the ideal grease trap for your kitchen, during a time that avoids the highest footfall for your food service business. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you find the best grease trap system for your commercial kitchen’s requirements.

Grease traps, also commonly known as grease interceptors, grease separators, and fat traps are devices designed to reduce the fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) entering the sewerage system via drain runs. They are put in place in commercial kitchens or any establishment that cooks hot food. A grease trap is a device that is placed near, or under a commercial kitchen setup. Connecting to the drainage pipework, the grease trap effectively filters the wash-up wastewater from the FOG, containing these contaminants which can be then discarded in the proper manner. Here at Goodflo we have over 20 years of experience supplying grease traps for commercial kitchens across the UK and are here to tell you which type of grease trap would be the perfect choice for your commercial kitchen. Goodflo grease traps for commercial kitchens in the UK So, what type of grease trap should you get? What size should you get? Which one you choose will also come down to how busy your commercial kitchen is. Goodflo offers several different grease trap products. Let’s take a look at them below. G-Bag Grease Trap System SS One of our most popular grease traps, the G-Bag Grease Trap System SS model is the perfect choice for commercial kitchens that serve up to 120 meals per day. The casing is made from premium-grade stainless steel and comes with two G-Bags and appropriate plumbing fixings. This is incredibly easy to install and maintain and with the use of our handy G-Bags , you can empty these with absolutely no contact with the waste, so even the most squeamish of people can use this with ease. Goodflo G-Bag System PE This slightly larger grease trap can also be fitted under or close to most commercial kitchen washing sinks to effectively remove FOGs as well as food particles from daily cleaning and wash-ups. The system put in place can be maintained easily and eliminates the hassle of daily and weekly cleaning or removal of grease trap waste. If your commercial kitchen has one to two commercial sinks, then the high-density polyethylene casing can be placed in the appropriate location. G-Bag Grease Trap + Dosing Package This cost-effective package combines our sophisticated stainless steel grease trap system as well as an automatic dosing pump that is battery-powered, combined with 20 litres of our Grease Dose Premium solution . The battery allows the system to automatically release a dose of our grease solution, which is made up using selected micro-organisms that digest grease, in your commercial kitchen. These are all viable options for grease traps for commercial kitchens but there is another type of grease trap that is external, rather than being by your kitchen set-up. These are known as underground grease traps. Underground grease traps Underground grease traps are designed for external, below-ground, and compact installations which meet UK building regulations. If you run a commercial kitchen with multiple sinks of more than three and have a higher number of meals served per day of up to 250, then an underground grease trap is the more viable option to choose. Goodflo can provide a wide range of underground grease traps which are sized from 150 litres up to 2300 litres for larger operations. Upfront, these are on the more expensive side compared to the grease traps that would be located for indoor use, however, they are the more capable system to effectively stop FOGs and food solids from entering general drainage and sewage systems. The FOGI range offers up to 2600 litre sized tanks which are expertly designed with larger commercial kitchens in mind. They are the optimal choice for other industries including farm shops, leisure centres, hospitals, prisons, hotels, food manufacturing plants, and of course restaurants. Goodflo can provide you with everything you need We specialise in providing you with innovative technologies which utilise clean technology with measures in place that promote a healthy environment. We can deliver to you the type of grease trap for your commercial kitchen that you are looking for. If you need an easy-to-install and use internal grease trap, or one from our range of exterior underground grease traps, we have you covered. If you are looking for a new grease trap for your commercial kitchen or other important products including dosing solutions, removal units or replacement bags, contact us now on 01926 334466