From small coffee houses to large fast food chains, all restaurants and food establishments need to have an effective grease management policy in place. After all, fat, food debris, oil and grease (FOG) are one of the most common reasons for blocked drains. Read on to discover more about drainage solutions for restaurants.

Grease, oil and fat may not appear to be harmful when it is in the liquid form. However, it congeals and hardens when it cools, and this is when the problems occur. The fat, oil and grease will stick to the inner lining of the drain pipes, which in turns stop wastewater flow, leading to a blockage in the pipes. This is a massive problem; research shows that there are roughly 200,000 sewer blockages every year in the United Kingdom, and three-quarters of these are caused by oil, grease and fat. So, what can you do at your restaurant? The first thing you need to do is invest in a grease trap. Every food establishment needs to have one. A grease trap can be installed either below or above floor level, and they are typically made from a metal that is resistant to rust. Most of the time they will be installed near the fixtures that discharge to them in the kitchen. A grease trap will stop blockages from happening, ensuring the oil, food debris, fat and grease does not end up in your pipe system. This can save your business hundreds and even thousands of pounds in the long run.

It is also imperative to train all staff about the importance of keeping fat, oils and grease out of drains and sewers. Bad practice could lead to business disruption and unwanted negative publicity, so it really pays to take some time to give your staff the training they need. One of the things you need to teach them to do is prepare trays, pots, plates and utensils before washing. They should be scraped and dry wiped with a disposable kitchen towel, rather than being put straight into the dishwasher or sink. Something as simple as this could stop you from spending thousands on expert drainage solutions. But, what do you actually do with the waste oil? Waste oil from the likes of frying pans, woks, and deep fat fryers should be collected in an airtight container, as this will prevent rats and odour. Store them in an area that is clear of all drains and secure so that you can prevent leakages and spills until you are able to dispose of the oil correctly. The oil will need to be collected commercially for recycling or disposal.

Hopefully, you now have some suggestions regarding drainage solutions and management controls you can put in place at your restaurant. Investing in a grease trap now can save you a lot of money in the future, as can the other tips provided above, so make sure all of your employees are on board too.