A Grease Trap (also known as a Grease Interceptor) is a device designed to intercept food waste and grease before it enters your sewer system. Doing so, it helps to protect your plumbing, sewer lines, and septic tank from clogs and blockages.
How Much Does a Grease Trap Cost?
The cost of a grease trap can vary depending on the size, model, and type of grease trap you need.
For 1 to 100 gallons of fat, oil, and grease (FOG) per day, you will need a trap with a relatively low capacity, and this can cost you between $250 and $1500.
750-1500 gallons will run you between $4000 and $4800
The cleansing cost of a larger grease trap averages at $1000, while small ones may be as low as $100-$200. Installation costs add another $500 to $2000 to the total price tag.
Waivers, permits, and inspections may be required by local codes, adding to the overall costs.
All in all, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for a grease trap, depending on the size and complexity of the unit, as well as the installation.
Installing a Grease Trap
Although the job of installing a grease trap may seem fairly straightforward, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the grease trap is the appropriate size for your needs. Second, you will need to obtain the proper permits before installation can begin. And third, the job will require some plumbing knowledge and experience.
When it comes to sizing, you need to take into account the amount of FOG that will be going into the grease trap. This can be a tricky estimate, as it is difficult to know how much grease will be produced until the kitchen has been in operation for a while. A good rule of thumb is to use the following formula:
For every 100 gallons of wastewater produced, you will need a grease trap with a capacity of 1 to 3 gallons.
Once you have determined the size of the grease trap you need, the next step is to obtain the proper permits. In most jurisdictions, a permit is required for any type of plumbing work. The cost of the permit will vary depending on your location, but it is typically a few hundred dollars.
After you have obtained the necessary permits, you can begin the installation process. This job will require some basic plumbing knowledge and experience. If you are not comfortable with this, it is best to hire a professional plumber to handle the installation.
Find the Location for the Grease Trap
It should be installed as close to the source of the FOG as possible. This could be under the sink, next to the stove, or in the basement. Once you have found the perfect location, you will need to cut a hole in the floor for the inlet and outlet pipes.
Install the Inlet and Outlet Pipes
The inlet pipe is the pipe that carries wastewater from the sink to the grease trap. The outlet pipe is the pipe that carries wastewater from the grease trap to the sewer line. These pipes should be installed according to local building codes.
Install the Grease Trap
The grease trap should be installed in the hole you cut in the floor. Make sure that it is level, so that the wastewater can flow properly. Once the grease trap is in place, you will need to connect the inlet and outlet pipes to it.
Test the System
After the grease trap is installed, you will need to test it to make sure that it is working properly. To do this, simply pour a few gallons of water into the sink and let it run into the grease trap. You should see the water level in the grease trap rise and then fall as the wastewater is removed.
Perform Maintenance.
It is important to perform regular maintenance on your grease trap to ensure that it is working properly. This includes cleaning out the trap on a regular basis and making sure that the inlet and outlet pipes are clear of debris.
Final Words
We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of grease traps and how they work. Remember, if you are not comfortable with the installation process, it is best to hire a professional plumber. If you need help with plumbing, contact us!