If you're a restaurant owner, you know the importance of keeping your grease trap clean. Not only is it necessary for maintaining a healthy and safe environment for your customers, but it's also required by law. Here are five signs that it's time to clean your grease trap.

1. It's Been a While Since Your Last Cleaning

Most restaurant owners agree that it's time to clean their grease traps once they hit a certain level of buildup. That could mean as little as two months or as long as six months of use, depending on how many customers you serve and how much oil is released into the trap. If it has been more than three months since your last cleaning, then go ahead and schedule a cleaning – you have likely reached the point where your trap needs it.

2. You've Noticed an Increase in Clogging or Backup Issues

Another sign that it's time to clean the grease trap in your commercial kitchen is when you notice an increase in clogging or backups. Especially during peak hours, many restaurants experience clogs and backup problems because of all the oil released into the system. If you've noticed that these types of issues are occurring more frequently than usual, then it's definitely time to schedule a cleaning.

3. You've Noticed Odors Coming from the Trap

Another sign that it's time to clean your grease trap is when you smell unpleasant odors coming from your commercial kitchen. Odors are a telltale sign that the trap isn't working properly and needs to be thoroughly cleaned.

4. You've Noticed Grease on Surfaces in Your Kitchen

If you notice an oily sheen on your floor or a greasy film on the walls, then it's definitely time to clean that grease trap. Make sure you schedule a cleaning as soon as possible before your kitchen starts looking dirty and oily.

5. When Grease Is at or Above 25% of the Total Liquid Depth

According to Metro Plumbing, grease traps should be cleaned when 25% of the volume is taken up by grease and 75% by water. This ensures the grease trap is working properly, and you don't have to worry about clogs, backups, and other issues that come with an unclean trap.

Grease traps need to be cleaned at certain intervals, and it's time to clean yours if you see any of the five signs mentioned above. For more information about grease trap cleaning or to schedule a grease trap cleaning appointment, call us today.