RTTZ INFORMATION BRIEF
HOW TO DESIGN AND INSTALL A SIMPLE ECO-FRIENDLY GREASE TRAP
Introduction
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A grease trap is a simple device that is designed to trap oils, fats and wax in a container to
prevent them from reaching the sewers and the drainage systems.
The grease trap can either be located inside of the establishment or on the outside. Typically
large restaurants, hotels, lodges, kitchens will have their grease trap located outside of the
facility, usually in the ground, while facilities with smaller traps can usually house theirs indoors.
Installing a grease trap is a preventive system, and is a better way in keeping the pipes oilfree for a longer period of time than chemical decloggers that works by melting hardened
grease that thickened inside the pipes with toxic chemicals.
It is always a requirement especially in restaurants, hotels lodges, camps or in any food
preparation businesses. A grease trap should be installed in a location where it is accessible in
order to allow the owner to clean it occasionally.
MATERIALS REQUIRED TO PREPARE A SIMPLE GREASE TRAP
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Water tank
PVC pipes
Elbows
Tee junctions
Filters
P-Sockets
A grease trap made from a simtank,
the filter is seen attached before the
trap.
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A simple schematic of a grease trap.
A very simple ‘bucket’ grease trap,
looking down into it. Note the inlet
pipe and outlet pipes.
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3 different drawings to show how to develop a grease trap, all deliver the same results.
HERE ARE THREE STEPS TO FOLLOW IN GREASE TRAP INSTALLATION.
Step 1 – Determine the Size of the Grease Trap
The size of a grease trap varies from one model to another. For example the size needed for a hotel
or a camp depends on the quantity of wastewater that usually passes on the drainage pipes. For hotel
that washes greasy dishes regularly, a grease trap with a capacity of 100 litres of grease will be the
best. If one wants to have grease trap that will need cleaning for a longer period of time, a larger
grease trap is a good option.
Step 2 – Determine Where to Install the Grease Trap
The best location for grease trap installation is under the sink. However, it can also be installed outside
of the kitchen. External grease trap installation is best for the hotel, or a lodge with several sinks. The
drainage pipes can all be connected to the one common pipe and fitted to the grease trap.
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Step 3 – Connect the Grease Trap
A grease pipe’s installations vary from one model to another. Normally, there are several connections
on the device;
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One connection is connected to the sink or the source of wastewater.
Then from the washing sink there must be non trap (filter) to clean out any debris that comes into
the device, and then followed by clean out tee for flow control.
Then the third connection is designed to connect the source of wastewater. This connection is
usually found on the left side of the device.
Lastly, connect the last connection to the pipe that leads to the sewage system. This pipe is
usually found on the lower right of the grease trap.
INLET
FILTER
A grease trap being installed, the simtank has an inlet with a
T-junction. The inlet is not connected to the filter that also has
not been installed yet.
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Now the filter is installed and attached to the inlet pipe. The
outlet is connected to the sewage system.
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CLEANING PROCEDURE OF THE GREASE TRAP
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In order to keep grease trap working properly to prevent grease buildup, regular cleaning is
essential. If a grease trap is not well maintained, it will not work efficiently.
Do not allow solid waste to go down the drain and into the grease trap.
INSTRUCTIONS
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When beginning to clean the grease trap, completely and carefully open and remove the cover.
Next scoop off the layer of oil and grease that is floating on top of the water in the trap.
Put all the grease into the container or bucket
After removing all the grease carefully replace the cover appropriately back on it.
Dispose all the grease and other particles in appropriate and in a responsible manner.
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mobile +255784294062 |email: info@rttz.org | P O Box 2657, Arusha