Grease Trap Installation and Cost

More people each day are cutting corners by performing do-it-yourself installations in their homes. And yet, there are some instances when installation should be left in the hands of a professional, one of those being adding grease traps to your plumbing system. A residential grease trap installation was almost unheard of a few years ago but some large homes with professional style kitchens are now being equipped with them. But for the most part, a grease trap installation is usually done for a restaurant, or institutional kitchens such as in schools, hospitals and even churches. Here is the lowdown on the need for grease traps and how to budget for their installation costs:

About grease traps

Most of the substances that go down drains are easily broken down. However, heavy amounts of oil, grease or food can quickly cause drain and sewer clogs and when grease and cooking oil goes down a drain it can be harmful to the environment and cause problems at the water treatment plant.  A grease trap is a device designed to intercept and prevent most greases and solids from entering plumbing systems and causing clogs and plumbing problems along the way.

Restaurants can benefit from the installation of a grease trap and many municipalities have plumbing codes that require grease traps in commercial kitchens. Understanding the plumbing codes before installation will save you a ton of trouble later because in most cases, a plumbing permit will be required and an inspection will be conducted by your code enforcement authorities to ensure the job is done correctly.

Who needs them?

Both residential and commercial buildings alike can benefit from the installation of a grease trap. However, the fixtures are mainly prevalent in restaurants because of the kitchens' high percentage of food and grease waste. With these traps, food and debris particles are caught before they pile up and pose an environmental or plumbing threat. Once full, grease traps are professionally pumped out and the grease is recycled or repurposed.

In order for grease traps to be effective, they must be properly sized, constructed and installed into your plumbing system. Because of these specific requirements, grease traps are traditionally more expensive than other plumbing operations.

How to budget

The commercial or residential grease trap installation cost can be expensive, but the building could benefit from it. There are plenty of ways you can budget for them. Here are some examples so, in a short time, your system can have a new grease trap:

• Fix leaks on the spot. If you notice a leaky faucet, don't wait. Although those drips may seem insignificant, if the problem persists, it can add cost to your water bill.
• Hire a professional. Sometimes the best way to approach a plumbing issue is to hire professionals. With their experience, they can get in and out easily, follow all plumbing codes, provide warranties and save you money and time in the long run.