So, you run a bustling café, the customers are coming and going and delicious food and drink is flowing out of your kitchen at a rate of knots; brilliant! But what about your grease management system? Do you have one? Do you even need one? How is it maintained?   Don’t worry, we’ll answer some of these questions and more in this blog post, so stick with us.    What is a Grease Trap?   In the simplest terms, a grease trap is a big box that sits between your wastewater line and the public sewer. It has an inlet and an outlet, and in between them, a series of baffles. The water from your kitchen sinks flows into the trap where it’s slowed by the baffles. This allows any fat, oil or grease (FOG) to rise to the top and become trapped; hence, grease trap.   The reason for this is to prevent FOG materials from entering the public sewer network, where they will solidify and require costly cleaning processes at the taxpayer's expense. Check out this blog post to learn more about the notorious Whitechapel fatberg of 2017 that was caused by improper FOG management from local businesses.     Do I Need a Grease Trap for My Café?   According to the Food Standards Agency , “All food businesses must dispose of waste securely and properly.” Businesses that don’t carefully manage their FOG output can risk prosecution .   So yes, you do need a grease management system for your café. Without one, you risk not only blockages and some seriously unpleasant smells from your drains that’ll be more than enough to drive your customers away, but also prosecution and serious damage to your business’s finances and reputation.   For cafés specifically, we also recommend the installation of systems to catch coffee grounds in your wastewater, as these can also lead to sewer problems that could land you in hot water.     How Do I Maintain My Grease Trap?   At this point, you might be thinking that it’s all well and good trapping your FOG and preventing it from entering the public sewer, but then what? Aren’t you left with a tank full of grease?   Well, yes, you are, which is where a grease trap partner like Goodflo comes in. Not only can we install your new grease trap, but we can also help you keep it clean and functioning and help dispose of the contents, keeping your kitchen legally compliant and blockage-free.   While we’re at it, we can also ensure the overall health of your kitchen drainage system and supply additional equipment such as dosing systems to help prevent blockages.   Find out more about our grease trap maintenance services here .     How Do I Get Grease Trap Installation?   Short answer? Contact Goodflo. For more than 20 years, Goodflo has been installing and maintaining grease management systems of all kinds. Whether you need a massive underground system for your bustling industrial kitchen or a smaller system for a five-cover café, we can help.   Our systems are designed to keep your business legally compliant, hygienic and odour-free. Good kitchens use Goodflo. Contact us today using our online form , by calling us on 01926 334466 or by emailing us at sales@goodflo.com . 

You may know that restaurants are legally required to install and maintain a grease trap, a device that separates fats, oils and grease (FOG) from kitchen wastewater and stops it from entering the sewer. This is vital in ensuring that sewers don’t get blocked by fatty buildups – sometimes known as fatbergs – causing major problems for anyone connected to that sewer. It is often thought that only restaurants need to install grease traps, but every kitchen that cooks hot food is required by law to have a grease separation solution, whether it’s a café, catering unit or, yes, event and hospitality venues. If you own or operate an events venue but have never heard of a grease trap, read on.   Tailored Grease Management Solutions   Keeping your business on the right side of compliance and avoiding potential fines and prosecution is obviously a good thing. But having a grease trap installed, or even replaced, can be tricky with all the different models, types and even methods available. That’s why we offer customised grease trap installations and maintenance plans to suit the requirements of your hospitality or events venue. Our range includes everything from compact under-sink models for smaller venues to robust underground systems for larger establishments. We also specialise in something called grease dosing , another innovative way to deal with your FOG obligations.   Compliance Made Easy   With Goodflo on your side, the worry of FOG compliance evaporates. We keep things very simple not only with our grease trap supply and installation services but also with our grease trap servicing and maintenance options , meaning we can provide your business with a full end-to-end grease removal solution. We can even remove the accumulated FOG from your trap for environmentally considerate disposal, providing you with all the necessary paperwork. With Goodflo, you're not just investing in a partnership that ensures your operations are compliant, efficient and environmentally responsible.   Protecting Your Reputation   We understand that in the fast-paced world of hospitality and events, reliability is non-negotiable. The idea of a major kitchen breakdown in the middle of an event – such as a wedding or a corporate conference – is unthinkable, and could lead to unhappy clients, negative reviews and potential loss of future business. Significant sewer blockages in particular can take weeks to fix, and they don’t just impact your kitchen. That’s why we place such emphasis on ensuring your grease management system works flawlessly. Our grease trap cleaning service is designed for rapid response to any issue, keeping your kitchen operational and your events hitch-free. By partnering with Goodflo, you’re investing in the reliability and reputation of your venue, ensuring that every event is remembered for all the right reasons.   Here to Help   Choose Goodflo for a stress-free, eco-conscious grease management service that ensures compliance and operational excellence. We're committed to supporting your events and hospitality ventures with unparalleled service. Contact Goodflo on 01926 334466 or email sales@goodflo.com  today and elevate your venue's success and sustainability.

Managing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) effectively is a major – and legally required – part of running a commercial hot food kitchen. You are likely aware of traditional grease traps and their benefits but there is also the alternative of drain dosing to help manage your FOG. There are two main types of drain dosing, and the choice between enzyme dosing and biological dosing in your drain dosing system can significantly impact kitchen efficiency and compliance. The experts at Goodflo are here to demystify these two methods, helping you select the most appropriate solution for your kitchen's specific needs.    What is an Enzyme Drain Dosing System?    Enzyme dosing employs specialised enzymes (proteins that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions) to tackle FOG in commercial kitchen drains. These enzymes are adept at breaking down complex FOG molecules into simpler substances. This process is essentially a pre-treatment and helps make FOG more manageable. However, it's vital to note that the enzymes themselves are not living entities and, as such, facilitate the decomposition of FOG but don't consume or remove it. Enzyme dosing helps reduce the size of FOG particles, which does simplify their management, but does not entirely eliminate them from your drainage system. As a drain dosing system, it's a method that sets the stage for further treatment, such as a traditional grease trap, but is not in itself a comprehensive grease management solution.    What is a Biological Drain Dosing System?    Biological dosing is often a much more comprehensive drain dosing system and involves introducing live bacteria into your wastewater pipes and drainage system. These bacteria not only break down FOG molecules but also consume them, effectively removing them from the drainage. This process is more comprehensive and self-sufficient than an enzyme dosing system. These specially formulated living bacteria actively digest FOG, turning it into harmless substances, thereby being much more efficient at eliminating the risk of build-ups and blockages. The efficiency of biological dosing hinges on various factors, such as the type of bacteria, the environmental conditions within the drainage system and the composition of the FOG being consumed. This method is particularly effective for kitchens experiencing high volumes of FOG, offering a robust solution for long-term grease management.    Comparing These Drain Dosage Systems    They may sound like remarkably similar processes, but enzyme dosing and biological dosing differ fundamentally in their approach to managing FOG. Enzyme dosing serves as a preliminary measure, breaking down FOG into smaller particles without removing them, which then requires further treatment down the line for a complete grease management solution. This is beneficial for kitchens with lower FOG outputs where it can serve as an effective initial step in your broader grease management strategy.  In contrast, biological dosing provides a more encompassing solution. It uses bacteria that not only disintegrate but also consume FOG, thereby removing them entirely from your drainage system. This method is particularly suitable for kitchens with higher levels of FOG, ensuring a more thorough and sustainable approach to grease management. However, it’s important to consider factors such as the presence of caustic cleaning chemicals, extreme temperature variations and the volume of contaminated wastewater, which can influence the effectiveness of the bacteria.    Environmental and Legal Considerations    Choosing between enzyme and biological drain dosing systems involves considering both environmental impact and legal compliance. With increasing environmental regulations and a focus on sustainability, selecting a method that minimises ecological impact is crucial. Additionally, adherence to local and national FOG management legislation , such as the Water Industry Act 1991 , is essential to avoid fines and legal complications.  It must be considered that biological dosing treats FOG within the drainage and sewerage system rather than preventing it from entering the drainage system, as defined in the act. Therefore, water companies may not recognise biological dosing as a standalone-compliant solution. Combining a dosing system with a traditional grease trap can provide a much safer and more comprehensive solution, effectively separating and treating FOG before it enters the drainage system.    The Power of Combined Solutions    Once we understand that no single solution is entirely perfect, the obvious solution is to combine enzyme or biological dosing with a traditional grease trap . Grease traps effectively separate FOG from wastewater, preventing it from entering the drainage system. The added protection of a dosing system ensures thorough treatment of FOG, acting as a safety net against FOG creeping into the sewer system and keeping your grease trap in good working order for longer. This combined solution aligns with both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, ensuring your kitchen remains efficient, compliant and responsible in its grease management responsibilities.    Drain Dosage Systems: Ask the Experts    With our thorough understanding of the strengths and limitations of each system, and considering the potential for combining solutions, we hope this blog has helped you make a more informed decision for your kitchen's grease management solutions.   For expert guidance and bespoke solutions that align with your kitchen, get in touch with Goodflo today on 01926 334466 or email sales@goodflo.com . You can explore more about our dosing systems right here on the website too. 

Today, grease traps and the management of fats, oils and grease (FOG) are somewhat of an afterthought, but the need to contain potentially damaging by-products in drainage systems is as old as the creation of the drainage system itself.   In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at what exactly a grease trap is, when they were invented, and whether you need a grease trap.     What Are Grease Traps?   Grease traps are devices used to separate FOG materials from wastewater to avoid blockages in the public sewer system. They operate on the rather simple premise that fats, oils and greases of any kind don’t mix with water.   FOG materials are roughly 10-15% less dense than water and will therefore float on the surface. Grease traps work by effectively skimming this floating material and trapping it, so that it can be disposed of separately and safely, without forming deposits in the public sewer system that cause costly blockages.   A prime example of the poor use of grease traps was found in the London sewer system in 2017, near a collection of food-related businesses. Sewer engineers in Whitechapel came across a ‘fatberg’ more than 800 feet long and weighing in the region of 130 metric tons. Engineers faced an unenviable 13-week slog to remove it safely.   The Whitechapel fatberg was an extreme example, but accumulations are commonplace in major city sewer systems where proper FOG collection is not implemented and become costly to remove as well as causing health and environmental issues for the public.     Grease Trap History  Grease traps as we know them are a product of the Victorian era. While Roman sewer systems far predate our modern solutions, they relied on considerably less humane methods – sending slaves and prisoners into their sewers to clean them by hand.   The first patent for a modern grease trap design was issued to Nathanial T. Whiting of San Francisco, California in October 1884.   His simplistic design is still echoed in the grease traps of today and involves passing FOG-carrying water slowly through a chamber designed to allow the FOG to separate from the water, where it could be collected and disposed of. The cleaned water is then allowed to flow back out into the sewer.     Are Grease Traps Required by Law in the UK?   Grease traps, in the UK, are a legal requirement for any business serving hot food under the British Building Regulations. It’s the business operator’s responsibility to ensure that their FOG discharge is not posing a risk to the public sewer system.   In total, six pieces of UK and EU legislation lay out the responsibility of food service businesses to effectively manage their FOG waste and prevent it from harming the sewer network or posing a health or environmental risk. These include the British Building Regulations, the Water Industry Act (1991) , the Environmental Protection Act (1990) , the Building Act (1984) , the Food Safety Act (1990) and the Animal By-Products Regulations EC 1774/2002 .   So, as you can imagine, the installation and proper maintenance of a grease trap on a food premises is quite tightly regulated and highly important.   It’s also a requirement for grease traps to comply with relevant safety standards and to be designed within certain legal tolerances.   All of this might seem like overkill, but the potential side effects of wastewater contamination by FOG materials are disastrous for public health, the environment and our sewer systems.     Grease Trap Installation in the UK   At Goodflo, we specialise in the installation and servicing of the very latest in grease trap technology in the UK. With more than 20 years of experience and competitive prices, we’re hard to beat for service, quality, or price.   For any questions about your grease trap needs just get in touch with us today. You can fill out our easy contact form, call us on 01926 334466 , or email us at sales@goodflo.com   

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 .