Fat traps play an important role in commercial kitchens by preventing fats, oils, and grease from entering the drainage system. However, without regular cleaning, accumulated grease and food waste can cause serious blockages, unpleasant odours and drainage problems.

What Is a Fat Trap?

A fat trap, also known as a grease trap, is designed to separate fats, oils and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it enters the main drainage system. 

Wastewater from dishwashing and food prep enters the trap through an inlet pipe, where internal walls or baffles slow down the water speed.

The heavier food particles settle to the bottom, while the FOG rises to the surface and forms a layer. The partially separated wastewater then flows through the outlet pipe into the drainage system, leaving most of the grease and solids trapped inside.

Why Regular Fat Trap Cleaning Is Important

Over time, material builds up inside the trap and needs to be removed professionally.

Regular cleaning helps keep the trap functioning effectively and reduces the risk of grease-related drainage issues. A neglected fat trap can become heavily clogged, produce strong odours, and eventually overflow.

For restaurants, cafés, hotels and other food-service businesses, maintaining a clean fat trap is an important part of keeping kitchen drainage systems operating properly.

What Happens During Fat Trap Cleaning?

Inspection: The fat trap is opened and assessed to determine the level of accumulated waste.

Removal of waste: The contents are pumped out using specialised equipment, removing fats, grease, sludge and trapped solids.

Cleaning: The internal walls, baffles and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned to remove remaining build-up.

Flushing: The system is flushed to clear residual waste and help restore normal flow.

Final inspection: The trap is checked to ensure it has been properly cleaned and is ready for continued use.

Waste disposal: The collected waste is transported and disposed of responsibly at an authorised facility.

Signs Your Fat Trap Needs Cleaning

Some common signs include:

• Strong or unpleasant odours around the trap
• Slow drainage from kitchen sinks
• Visible grease or waste build-up
• The trap filling up quickly
• Overflow or wastewater backing up
• Increased drainage problems in the kitchen

Regular servicing can help identify these issues before they develop into more serious drainage problems.

Combat Plumbing provides professional fat trap cleaning and liquid waste services for commercial properties throughout Cape Town and surrounding areas.