Grease Traps

Grease traps are vital plumbing devices designed to separate fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater, preventing blockages and environmental damage. Whether you're managing a commercial kitchen, food processing facility, or handling domestic waste, grease traps play a crucial role in maintaining effective waste management and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Types of Grease Traps We Offer

Under-Sink Grease Traps: Ideal for small kitchens with limited space, these traps fit conveniently under sinks and are perfect for residential and small commercial kitchens.

Commercial Grease Traps: Designed for larger kitchens and food service operations, commercial grease traps are capable of handling high volumes of wastewater and grease, preventing costly blockages and ensuring smooth drainage.

Underground Grease Traps: A permanent solution for businesses with high grease output, these traps are installed below ground to save space while effectively managing large quantities of grease.

Domestic Grease Traps: Compact and efficient, these traps are designed for home kitchens to prevent clogged drains and protect plumbing from grease buildup.

Kitchen Grease Traps: A Must-Have for Food Service Businesses

Commercial grease traps are essential for protecting your plumbing and the public sewer system. A kitchen grease trap is designed to handle large volumes of wastewater generated by high-output kitchens, such as those in restaurants, hotels, or cafes. These heavy-duty traps help avoid grease build-up, ensuring smooth drainage and compliance with local wastewater regulations.

Grease traps for commercial kitchens are available in various sizes to match your specific needs, whether you're running a small café or a large-scale industrial kitchen. Choosing the right size is key to ensuring optimal performance and avoiding costly plumbing repairs or fines.

Domestic Grease Traps

While domestic grease traps are typically smaller than their commercial counterparts, they still play an important role in preventing clogged drains and keeping your home’s plumbing in top shape. If you have a large kitchen or frequently prepare oily foods, a domestic grease trap can help protect your pipes from grease buildup and ensure smooth drainage

Grease Trap FAQs

What is a grease trap?

A grease trap is a plumbing device designed to capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it enters the main sewer system. Commonly used in commercial kitchens and food service establishments, grease traps help prevent clogs, protect the environment, and ensure compliance with waste disposal regulations.

How does a grease trap work?

A grease trap works by slowing down the flow of wastewater, allowing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to separate from the water. As the water cools, the grease rises to the top and solids settle at the bottom. The cleaner water then exits the trap, while the grease and solids remain behind, preventing blockages in the drainage system.

Are grease traps a legal requirement?

Yes, grease traps are legally required for commercial kitchens and other businesses that produce significant amounts of fats, oils, and grease (FOG). In the UK, several regulations enforce this:

- Building Regulations (Approved Document H) require grease traps to prevent FOG from entering drainage systems.

- Water Industry Act 1991 prohibits discharges that could block sewers.

- Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Food Safety Act 1990 hold businesses accountable for proper waste and hygiene management.

Grease traps are typically mandatory for restaurants, cafes, hotels, takeaways, and food processing facilities to protect public sewers and the environment from blockages and pollution.

How often do you need to clean a grease trap?

Grease traps should typically be cleaned every 1 to 3 months, depending on the volume of grease produced and the size of the trap. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the trap functions properly and to avoid unpleasant odors, clogs, or fines for non-compliance. Some busy kitchens may require more 

frequent cleaning.

What size grease trap do I need?

The right grease trap size depends on the volume of wastewater and the amount of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) produced.

- For domestic use, a small under-sink grease trap (usually around 40–100 litres) is often sufficient for a single kitchen.

- For commercial use, sizing depends on kitchen capacity. A common rule of thumb is to install a trap with a flow rate that matches your sink’s output — typically 1 litre per second of flow per sink — or to use sizing calculators based on meals served or fixture count.

Always refer to local regulations and consult a professional to ensure your grease trap meets operational and legal requirements.