Grease Interceptors

Grease is present in many common foods and food preparation ingredients such as:

• Lard
• Cooking oil
• Baked goods
• Shortening
• Meat fats
• Dairy products
• Food scraps
• Butter
• Sauces
• Salad dressings

Grease causes the formation of solid deposits along sewer walls, reducing capacity and causing blockages. Grease can also accumulate in wet wells, pump stations, and screens, causing blockages and equipment failure which often results in expensive repairs.

The most effective way to avoid blockages and backups is to keep fats, oils, and grease (FOG) out of the sewer system in the first place. Follow these tips to help you do it:

• Wipe off greasy pots, pans, and kitchen utensils before washing.
• Don’t dispose of salad dressings, cream, or butter in the drain.
• Clean grease interceptors at regular intervals. We recommend when 60 percent capacity is reached.
• Keep outdoor grease containers and dumpsters covered.
• Don’t use degreasers, emulsifiers, or hot water to clean lines. While they break down grease in the facility, the grease can congeal downstream in sewer lines.