- Clean the Grease Interceptor At Least Once Every 90 Days
- Certify That the Contents of the Interceptor Are Completely Pumped
- Keep to the 25% Rule
- Maintain Pumping Records Diligently for Inspectors
- Repair Any Damage to the Interceptor
- Prevent Grease and Solid Waste from Entering the Drains
- Don’t Use Hazardous Cleaning Chemicals
Clean the Grease Interceptor At Least Once Every 90 Days
The 90 day schedule is a minimum, because some homes may have to clean the interceptor more frequently. The grease waste hauler can determine the proper frequency of the cleaning, as this will depend on how quickly the levels of the grease and the food solids rise in the interceptor. In some cases, the interceptor may have to be cleaned once every 60 days. There are even some cases which require a complete cleaning once every 3o days.
Certify That the Contents of the Interceptor Are Completely Pumped
The complete contents of the interceptor must be pumped out. Sometimes only partial pumping is performed, and only the grease layer is removed. This is inadequate. Make sure your grease waste hauler understands that the total contents of the interceptor must be removed.
Keep to the 25% Rule
This rule is meant to cap the amount of grease and food solids in the interceptor. The grease and food solids must never exceed 25% of the interceptor’s capacity. When the grease and food solids reach this level, then the interceptor must be cleaned regardless of the schedule. This rule ensures that the interceptor has enough capacity to handle emergencies or periods during which it can’t be cleaned.
Maintain Pumping Records Diligently for Inspectors
Interceptor maintenance is so important that it is a requirement. Sometimes the local authorities send in inspectors to make sure you’re cleaning the interceptor regularly and properly. To help with this, you need to maintain proper records so that the inspectors can verify your compliance with maintenance regulations. Your records must be complete, and should include the dates in which the interceptor was pumped, the volume of grease and food solids pumped, and the ID information on the grease waste hauler.
Repair Any Damage to the Interceptor
Like any other device, the interceptor is subjected to water and tear. It can break down or sustain damage at any time. Problems such as missing inlet or outlet Tees, as well as holes and cracks, must be fixed immediately. Such problems can problems in the home and can even cause public health issues.
Professionals who check the interceptor regularly can monitor the state of the interceptor and fix these problems. Any defect or missing component must be repaired within 30 days upon discovering the problem. If it’s not fixed as quickly as possible, the grease can discharge to the sewer system. The sewer can be blocked or overflow.
Every repair job on the interceptor should also be documented properly.
Prevent Grease and Solid Waste from Entering the Drains
There are many ways for you to keep your interceptor from being overworked. People at home must be taught about grease control, and it may be a very good idea to post “No Grease” signs over the sinks.
For example, waste cooking oil should be recycled. It shouldn’t be poured down sinks on any drains, into storm grates, or onto the ground. If there is an oil or grease spill, the cleanup should involve the use of dry materials that absorb oil. The spilled oil should not be washed into the drains.
Pots, plates, pans, and other similar kitchen materials should be wiped dry. The people at home should scrape off the food particles, grease, and residual oil from these kitchenware items.
The sink drains and the floor drains should also feature strainers so that the drains don’t become clogged with solids. The contents of the strainers should be emptied into a trash container every now and then. The flow restrictor on the grease traps under the sink and floor units should also be installed and properly vented.
Don’t Use Hazardous Cleaning Chemicals
It’s crucial that you don’t use any chemical agent that may pose a threat to the health of the people in your home. Such chemical agents may also contaminate the drains system and the surrounding environment.
For that reason, the sludge from the home oil interceptor should be checked at least once every two years. This checkup must be done by a certified lab, to make sure that the sludge does not contain any contaminated materials.
To learn more about how to maintain your interceptor clean at home, find our page and further details here: https://acambie2020.wpengine.com/residential-services/oil-interceptors/
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A Cambie is located at 120-11120 Bridgeport Road Richmond, BC V6X 1T2.
A Cambie can be phoned on 604-279-0501.