Last week, we put up a notice on our website after inquiries assuring customers that they could postpone their next scheduled grease trap service with a call. Due to additional questions and all the uncertainty floating around, we thought we’d go into more detail about what to do about your grease traps while mandatory closures and restrictions limit or shut down your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to get some work done while you wait or want to make sure you close things down properly, here are some tips to help with your restaurant’s grease traps during the coronavirus crisis.
Before Your Close: Check Your Grease Traps
If your grease traps are indoors, such as under-sink models or stashed in a utility backroom, especially if they are the smaller models that need to be emptied each day: make sure to clean them before you close up shop through the closure period. Your grease traps will contain organic matter that will decay while you’re away, leaving an unpleasant stench. This is because grease traps contain FOGS: fats, oils, grease, and solids, with the brunt of odor emanating from solids. When inspecting your grease trap, remember the 1/4ths rule: if the trap is filled with more than one-quarter of FOGS, it needs to be emptied to make sure function isn’t being impaired.
While You’re Closed: Think About Maintenance and Replacement
Most likely, restaurants in New England will be closed a while. Some restaurants are already taking this time to do a little deep cleaning, fixing issues, or doing a little remodeling. Why not do the same with your grease trap? Think about doing the following:
- Get Your Grease Trap Cleaned: Instead of just getting it pumped, get your grease trap thoroughly cleaned, including attached plumbing.
- Grease Trap Inspection and Sizing: If you’re having trouble with your grease trap, get it inspected. If you’re producing too much grease, they can also help with finding the right size replacement.
- Grease Trap Replacement: Depending on your vendor, they can help you find a new grease trap, sell you one, and/or replace your current one.
Remember to Check with Your Grease Trap Servicers (and Other Vendors)
And as a general rule of thumb, if you’re going to be closing up shop or reducing your service hours, make sure to check in with your vendors, including your grease trap companies. The last thing you want is a vendor dropping off produce you won’t be using or waiting around to perform services when you’re closed. Make sure to contact them early and be prepared for cancellation issues or fees. Some might be more forgiving: we’re currently providing all clients with a free postponement of their grease trap servicing upon request.
We know that COVID-19 has caused a large amount of disruption in day-to-day services. If you’re in New England and want assistance with any of the services mentioned above, please contact Food Grease Trappers. We continue to operate during this pandemic. If you are a current client looking to reschedule services, just give us a call at (978) 373-3058 and reach out to Tim or Sarrah in the directory. Stay safe, stay healthy, and wash your hands.
