FOG… It Isn’t Just a Cloud!

 FOG, an industry term for Fats, Oils and Grease, includes animal fats, vegetable fats, and oils used to cook and prepare food.  FOG is a solid or viscous substance that can create a blockage in the sewer system if not properly disposed.

 

If you are responsible for a commercial kitchen in North Carolina, you know that the owner, leaseholder or operator of FOG-producing establishments discharging wastewater into the sanitary sewer system must install and maintain a grease trap or grease interceptor.  The State of North Carolina requires grease traps be cleaned on a scheduled basis, and each county has its own requirements and individual system to ensure compliance.

 

To head off inspection issues and maintain continuous, satisfactory and effective grease trap operation:

 

• Keep good records and hire a grease trap service company to service your grease traps that also keeps good records.
• Know your required schedule (30 days and 90 days are most common) and make sure that your grease trap hauler completes their job on schedule.
• Have a designated file for grease trap service receipts or manifests that you may access quickly if the Health Inspector asks.
• If you start to smell the grease trap, or think it may be filling up with FOG before a scheduled visit, contact your grease trap service company to have it cleaned and look for any potential problems. The longer you wait, the more extreme your emergency will become.

 

Do This!	Don’t Do This!
Scrape all food and leftover grease into the trash, never the sink.	Don’t pour FOG down the sink drain or toilet.
Wipe pots, pans and dishes with dry paper towels before rinsing/washing them.	Don’t use hot water to wash grease down the drain.  When the water cools, FOG will solidify and clog the pipes.
Pour cooled FOG into a can with a tight lid (coffee can) and dispose of it in the garbage.	Don’t put grease or greasy food into the garbage disposal.
Recycle large amounts of used cooking oil at designated County location(s).	Don’t rely on additives or detergents to dissolve grease.  They only disperse it down the line to recollect and cause more problems.
Talk to friends and family about FOG in the sewer system and help them become proactive in preventing sewer blockages.	Never pour grease or used oil into the storm drains or on the ground.

 

Remember that YOU (the facility owner/manager) are ultimately responsible for compliance; therefore, it is especially important to hire a professional service company like Lentz Septic Tank Service that is reliable and stands behind their work.

Call Lentz Septic Tank Service

704-876-1834

Family Owned and Operated Since 1958

You Don’t Have to LIKE it…But-cha Gotta Do it: Grease Trap Cleaning

If you are responsible for a commercial kitchen (restaurant, daycare, school, hospital, etc.) in North Carolina, you know all too well that the hidden box in or near your kitchen needs to be cleaned periodically in order to comply with health codes.  So, this blog is for you:

The State of NC requires grease traps be cleaned on a scheduled basis, but each county has it’s own requirements and individual system to ensure compliance.  For the most part, inspectors are reasonable and helpful, making it a simple process for facility owners to comply.  However, here are a few tips to give you a slightly better edge and less hassle when the inspector arrives:

• Reduce the amount of food, grease and oils that go down the drain by:
  • Keeping a trash can close by to rake the majority of food into,
  • Informing all kitchen employees, especially the dishwasher, that food must be raked into the trash can,
  • Have a scraper near the sink and trash can available at all times
• Know your required schedule (30 days & 90 days are most common) and make sure that your Grease Trap Service Company completes their job on schedule.
• Keep good records.  Have a file designated for Grease Trap Service receipts or manifests that you may access quickly if the Health Inspector asks. And hire a company to service your grease traps that also keeps good records.
• If you START to smell the grease trap or think it may be filling up with FOG (Fats, Oils & Grease) before a scheduled visit, contact your Grease Trap Service Company to have it cleaned and look for any potential problems.  The longer you wait, the more extreme your emergency will become.
• Remember that YOU (the facility owner/manager) are ultimately responsible for compliance; therefore, it is especially important to hire a service company that is reliable, professional and stands behind their work.

If you should have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact the professionals at Lentz:

704-876-1834

Family Owned and Operated Since 1958

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