Troubleshooting My Septic System

Posted on: 25 April 2017

Grease traps are specifically designed to trap FOG, also known as fats, oils, and grease, before they enter the drain and public sewer. In order to continue working properly, your grease trap will need to undergo routine cleaning. You can do it yourself or you can hire a professional to do it for you. If you choose to go the route of doing it yourself, here is how to go about it:

Step 1: Remove the lid. 

You may need to use a pry bar or some sturdy item to get underneath the lid so you can detach it from the grease trap. Just make sure that you are careful in doing so as there are gaskets beneath the trap cover and you don't want to damage them.

Step 2: Inspect all interior parts (grab your manual, if you have one).

Once the lid has been carefully removed, you need to carefully inspect the interior parts. You will be removing them to clean them, then you will need to replace them back in their proper positions. Therefore, it is crucial that you know exactly where they go. It can be extremely helpful if you have the manual for your grease trap or, at the very least, a diagram of the interior of the grease trap for you to refer to.

Step 3: Measure the debris with a measuring stick or wooden dowel.

Now it is time to measure the amount of the FOG that has accumulated inside the grease trap. You can use a measuring stick, if you have one, or just a wooden dowel. Once you pull it out, use a tape measure and record the results in your Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) FOG pump out report. 

Step 4: Remove standing water and waste. 

Using a small waste bin or bucket, remove standing water inside the grease trap tank. You can re-use this water once the waste has been fully removed. Using a container that is water tight and a scooper, remove the accumulated waste from the grease trap.

Step 5: Finish cleaning the inside of the trap and interior parts.

Now that the bulk of the FOG has been removed from the grease trap, you can now work on scraping down the sides and the lid. You may have to remove some pieces manually. You can also use a wet/dry vacuum to get particles that are hard to remove manually or with a scooper. Now is also the time to remove and clean the interior parts. If necessary, you can use a mild detergent and lukewarm water, along with a steel pot scrubber. 

Step 6: Replace interior parts and the lid.

Once the grease trap has been full and properly cleaned, you can replace all interior parts and the lid. Make sure that all parts are secured and properly working. Don't forget to refer back to your diagram or manual as you are reassembling the trap.

For more information, contact AAA Cesspool & Rooter Service.