Tag Archives: grease trap maintenance

Feb '24

How to Maintain Your Commercial Kitchen in Oak Brook, IL

As a business owner or manager, it is crucial to keep your kitchen in top shape to ensure efficient operations, food safety, and overall customer satisfaction. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips and best practices to help you maintain a clean and functional commercial kitchen. Whether you own a restaurant, catering service, or any other food-related establishment, these tips will be beneficial to you.

The Importance of Regular Cleaning

One of the most important aspects of maintaining a commercial kitchen is regular cleaning. Cleaning should be done on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis to maintain a high level of cleanliness and hygiene. Here are some key areas to focus on:

1. Daily Cleaning Tasks

– Start by cleaning and sanitizing all food preparation surfaces, including countertops, cutting boards, and utensils.

– Wash and sanitize all dishes, glassware, and utensils used throughout the day.

– Empty and clean grease traps to prevent clogs and unpleasant odors.

– Clean and sanitize floors, including mopping and sweeping.

2. Weekly Cleaning Tasks

– Thoroughly clean and sanitize all kitchen equipment, such as ovens, grills, fryers, and steamers.

– Clean and disinfect refrigerator interiors and exteriors.

– Deep clean exhaust hoods and vents to remove grease buildup.

– Clean and sanitize walls and ceilings.

3. Monthly Cleaning Tasks

– Clean and disinfect walk-in refrigerators and freezers.

– Empty and sanitize all storage areas, including shelves and cabinets.

– Clean and maintain kitchen equipment, such as slicers, mixers, and food processors.

– Check and clean the HVAC system to ensure proper ventilation.

4. Yearly Cleaning Tasks

– Inspect and deep clean all kitchen appliances, including dishwashers and ice machines.

– Deep clean and descale coffee machines.

– Schedule a professional duct cleaning to remove any built-up grease and debris.

Remember, regular cleaning, preventative maintenance, and food safety practices should be top priorities in your daily operations.

Preventative Maintenance

In addition to regular cleaning, preventative maintenance is essential for keeping your commercial kitchen running smoothly. By addressing potential issues before they become major problems, you can save time, money, and frustration. Here are some preventative maintenance tips:

1. Create a Maintenance Schedule

– Develop a comprehensive maintenance schedule that includes routine inspections, equipment checks, and necessary repairs.

– Assign responsibilities to specific team members to ensure tasks are completed on time.

– Keep detailed records of maintenance activities, including dates, repairs, and any other relevant information.

2. Regularly Inspect Equipment

– Conduct regular inspections of all kitchen equipment to identify any signs of wear and tear or malfunction.

– Look for loose screws, broken seals, or any other potential issues that may affect the performance of the equipment.

– Immediately repair or replace any faulty equipment to prevent further damage or accidents.

3. Train Staff on Proper Equipment Use

– Provide thorough training to all kitchen staff on the proper use and care of equipment.

– Regularly remind employees of the importance of following equipment operating instructions and safety guidelines.

– Encourage staff to report any equipment malfunctions or safety concerns immediately.

4. Proactive Repairs and Replacements

– Don’t wait for equipment to completely break down before taking action.

– Address minor issues promptly to prevent them from escalating into major, costly problems.

– Consider investing in energy-efficient equipment to reduce operating costs and improve kitchen efficiency.

Food Safety Practices

Maintaining proper food safety practices is not only important for the wellbeing of your customers but also to comply with health department regulations. Here are some key food safety practices to implement:

1. Train Staff on Food Safety

– Provide comprehensive food safety training to all kitchen staff, including safe food handling, proper storage, and temperature control.

– Regularly refresh staff on food safety practices to ensure compliance.

– Implement a system for staff to report any potential food safety hazards or incidents.

2. Store Food Properly

– Follow proper food storage guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and spoilage.

– Ensure that perishable items are stored at appropriate temperatures to maintain freshness.

3. Regularly Monitor and Record Temperatures

– Regularly monitor and record temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, and food storage areas.

– Implement a system for tracking and addressing any temperature fluctuations.

4. Practice Personal Hygiene

– Emphasize the importance of personal hygiene to all staff members.

– Ensure that staff members wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and hairnets.

– Encourage regular handwashing and provide easily accessible handwashing stations.

By implementing these best practices for maintaining your commercial kitchen, you will create a clean, efficient, and safe environment for both your staff and customers. Remember, regular cleaning, preventative maintenance, and food safety practices should be top priorities in your daily operations. With proper maintenance, your commercial kitchen in Oak Brook will thrive and contribute to the success of your food-related business.

Jan '24

How to Choose the Right Grease Trap Cleaning Company in Chicago

Grease traps are an essential component of any commercial kitchen. They help prevent grease, oil, and fats from entering the municipal sewer system and causing blockages. Regular cleaning and maintenance of grease traps are crucial to ensure their proper functioning and compliance with local regulations. However, not all grease trap cleaning companies in Chicago are created equal. Choosing the right company can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. In this article, we will discuss the factors to consider when selecting a grease trap cleaning company in Chicago.

Experience and Reputation

When it comes to choosing a grease trap cleaning company, experience and reputation are two key factors to consider. A company with years of experience in the industry is more likely to have the knowledge and expertise to handle different types of grease traps effectively. Additionally, a company with a good reputation is a sign of their commitment to providing quality service.

One way to gauge a company’s reputation is by reading online reviews and testimonials from past customers. You can also ask for recommendations from other business owners in the Chicago area who have used grease trap cleaning services. A company with positive feedback and satisfied customers is a good indication that they can be trusted to do the job right.

Licenses and Certifications

Before hiring a grease trap cleaning company, it is important to ensure that they have the necessary licenses and certifications to operate legally in Chicago. Grease trap cleaning is a specialized field, and there are regulations in place to ensure the proper disposal of waste materials.

Ask the company for proof of their licenses and certifications. They should be able to provide you with documentation that shows they are compliant with local regulations. Hiring a licensed company not only ensures that the job will be done correctly but also gives you peace of mind knowing that you are working with a reputable and trustworthy company.

Insurance Coverage

Accidents can happen during the grease trap cleaning process. It is important to make sure that the company you choose has appropriate insurance coverage to protect both their workers and your property in the event of any mishaps.

Ask the company about their insurance coverage and what it includes. They should have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. General liability insurance protects against any damage to your property that may occur during the cleaning process, while workers’ compensation insurance covers any injuries that the company’s employees may sustain while on your premises.

Methods and Equipment

Grease traps can be cleaned using various methods and equipment. It is important to choose a company that uses effective and environmentally friendly cleaning methods.

Ask the company about the techniques and equipment they use for grease trap cleaning. They should be able to explain their process and provide details on how they dispose of the waste materials in compliance with local regulations. Avoid companies that use harmful chemicals or outdated equipment that may be less effective in cleaning your grease trap.

A company that can respond quickly to your grease trap cleaning needs is invaluable in ensuring the smooth operation of your commercial kitchen.

Availability and Response Time

Grease trap issues can arise at any time, and it is crucial to choose a company that offers prompt and reliable service. A clogged or overflowing grease trap can disrupt your business operations and even lead to fines or penalties from local authorities.

Inquire about the company’s availability and response time. Do they offer emergency services? Can they provide regular maintenance on a schedule that suits your business needs? A company that can respond quickly to your grease trap cleaning needs is invaluable in ensuring the smooth operation of your commercial kitchen.

Cost and Contracts

While cost should not be the sole determining factor in choosing a grease trap cleaning company, it is important to consider your budget and compare prices among different companies.

Ask for a detailed quote from each company you are considering. The quote should include all the services they will provide, any additional fees or charges, and the frequency of cleaning. Some companies may offer long-term contracts with discounted rates, which can be beneficial if you require regular maintenance.

However, be cautious of signing lengthy contracts without understanding the terms and conditions. It is important to have flexibility in case you are not satisfied with the company’s services or need to change providers in the future.

To Sum it Up

Choosing the right grease trap cleaning company in Chicago is essential for the proper maintenance of your commercial kitchen. Consider factors such as experience, reputation, licenses and certifications, insurance coverage, cleaning methods and equipment, availability and response time, as well as cost and contracts. By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you can select a company that not only meets your grease trap cleaning needs but also provides reliable and efficient service.

Remember, regular maintenance of your grease trap is crucial to prevent blockages and keep your kitchen running smoothly. Therefore, investing time and effort in choosing the right grease trap cleaning company is well worth it in the long run.

Interested in grease trap cleaning or pumping services in Chicago or want to learn more about our grease trap cleaning maintenance program? Fill out the form below!

Oct '23

Revolutionizing Grease Trap Maintenance: How Hydro Jetting is Solving Clogging Issues in Chicago Restaurants

Grease traps play a vital role in the smooth operation of restaurants in Chicago. These devices are designed to prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the local sewer system, minimizing the risk of clogs and environmental pollution. However, traditional grease trap maintenance methods have proven to be time-consuming, expensive, and often ineffective. In recent years, a revolutionary technique known as hydro jetting has emerged as a game-changer in grease trap maintenance, providing Chicago restaurants with a highly efficient and environmentally friendly solution to their clogging issues.

The Importance of Grease Trap Maintenance

Before we delve into how hydro jetting is revolutionizing grease trap maintenance, it is crucial to understand the importance of regular maintenance for these devices. Grease traps act as barriers that capture FOG, preventing it from entering the sewer system. Without proper maintenance, grease traps can become overwhelmed and clogged, leading to a wide range of issues for restaurants, including:

Reduced drain flow

Foul odors

Backups and overflows

Potential fines and penalties from local authorities

To avoid these problems and ensure the smooth operation of their establishments, Chicago restaurants must prioritize regular grease trap maintenance.

The Challenges of Traditional Maintenance Methods

Historically, grease trap maintenance involved manual labor, with workers manually scooping out and disposing of the accumulated grease and solid waste. This process is not only labor-intensive but also poses health and safety risks to the workers involved.

Furthermore, manual methods of cleaning grease traps are often not thorough enough, leaving behind residual grease and debris that can quickly lead to clogs and other issues. With the traditional approach, grease trap maintenance has also been time-consuming, requiring extended periods of downtime for restaurants.

hydro jetting at a restaurant in chicago.

The water is injected into the grease trap, creating a powerful stream that dislodges and flushes away grease, fats, and other build-up.

Introducing Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting has emerged as a revolutionary method for grease trap maintenance in Chicago restaurants. This technique utilizes high-pressure water jets to clean and clear out grease, FOG, and other debris from grease traps, ensuring optimal performance and preventing clogs.

Hydro jetting technology involves specialized equipment that combines high-pressure water flow with specially designed nozzles. The water is injected into the grease trap, creating a powerful stream that dislodges and flushes away grease, fats, and other build-up.

The Benefits of Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting brings several significant benefits to grease trap maintenance in Chicago restaurants:

Efficient: Hydro jetting effectively removes even the toughest grease and build-up, ensuring that the grease trap is thoroughly cleaned and clog-free. It eliminates the need for manual scooping, saving time and reducing the risk of incomplete cleaning.

Cost-effective: With hydro jetting, restaurants can reduce the frequency of grease trap cleanings, resulting in long-term cost savings. Additionally, the removal of clogs and blockages prevents costly repairs and potential fines from local authorities.

Environmentally Friendly: Unlike traditional cleaning methods that often rely on harsh chemicals, hydro jetting is an eco-friendly option. It utilizes only water and high-pressure jets, minimizing the use of harmful substances and reducing environmental impact.

Reduced Downtime: Hydro jetting allows for quicker and more efficient grease trap maintenance. With minimal downtime required, restaurants can resume their operations sooner, minimizing disruptions to business.

Prevents Future Issues: By thoroughly cleaning and removing all grease and debris, hydro jetting helps prevent future clogs and blockages. This proactive approach keeps restaurants running smoothly and reduces the risk of costly plumbing emergencies.

a commercial hydro jetting service in a chicago restaurant.

An experienced team will have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively clean grease traps and address any potential issues.

Choosing a Professional Hydro Jetting Service

While the benefits of hydro jetting are clear, it is essential to choose a reputable and experienced professional service provider to carry out this specialized maintenance. When selecting a hydro jetting service for grease trap maintenance in Chicago restaurants, consider the following factors:

Experience and Expertise: Look for a company with a proven track record in hydro jetting services. An experienced team will have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively clean grease traps and address any potential issues.

State-of-the-Art Equipment: Ensure that the service provider utilizes modern and well-maintained hydro jetting equipment. Up-to-date technology ensures the best results and minimizes the risk of damage to the grease trap.

Compliance with Regulations: Grease trap maintenance must adhere to local regulations and guidelines. Verify that the service provider is familiar with Chicago’s specific requirements and operates in compliance with environmental standards.

Customer Reviews and References: Read reviews and seek recommendations from other restaurant owners or managers who have used the service. Positive feedback and references indicate a reliable and trustworthy hydro jetting provider.

Cost and Value: Evaluate the pricing structure of the service provider and compare it with competitors. However, remember that the lowest price may not always guarantee the highest quality. Look for a balance between cost and the value provided.

Summing it Up

Hydro jetting has revolutionized grease trap maintenance in Chicago restaurants by offering a highly efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution to clogging issues. With its thorough cleaning capabilities and numerous benefits, hydro jetting has become the go-to method for preventing drain flow issues, foul odors, backups, and potential fines for non-compliance with local regulations.

For restaurant owners or managers in Chicago, choosing a professional hydro jetting service with a strong reputation, state-of-the-art equipment, and compliance with regulations is crucial to ensure optimal grease trap maintenance and minimize disruptions to their operations. By embracing this innovative technique, Chicago restaurants can look forward to reliable and hassle-free grease trap maintenance, allowing them to focus on what matters most – providing exceptional dining experiences to their patrons.

Mar '23

5 Important Plumbing Services for Restaurants

Modern restaurants use massive amounts of water in their day-to-day operations. Water is essential for food preparation and sanitation. Restaurant plumbing systems should be robust to handle the high volume of freshwater entering the facility and the high amounts of wastewater flowing into the drains.

Not only must the plumbing be perfectly designed for the type of restaurant, but it should also be the right match for the particular stage of the business, says Alliance Management Company. A common mistake new restaurant owners make is to treat their plumbing as secondary to other aspects of the business, such as the menu, efficiency of appliances and ambience of the restaurant floor.

But like these other factors, the design of a restaurant’s plumbing system can help or hurt the business. Restaurants need drainage, water and gas supply systems that are purpose-built so the facility can operate at its optimum. At the most basic level, a restaurant’s plumbing should have the following services;

New installations

Restaurants often expand to accommodate their expanding customer base and enhance existing services. They do this by increasing the seating area capacity and adding new equipment to the kitchen. But to take full advantage of growth opportunities and avoid legal issues (that may result from violating city guidelines), they need to expand the systems that support these two areas. Add heaters, water supplies and other plumbing elements to cater to the growing demand. Ensure that you install these new features in a way that creates a seamless flow between the functions of the kitchen, the interior of the restaurant, its restrooms and the supporting plumbing systems. Safety, attractiveness, durability and flexibility (to accommodate further expansions) are factors to consider when doing these new installations.

Installing sewers and drains

Huge amounts of waste are generated by restaurants, particularly during the food preparation process. This waste is created hourly and must be constantly evacuated to keep the kitchen sanitary and safe. Invariably, some of that waste finds its way into the drainage system, where it can cause blockages. This hourly assault on a restaurant’s drain and sewer lines is why the system must be planned properly. Compliant drainage systems with proper ventilation that prevent backflow from trapped air and drains that permit wastewater removal without reductions in pressure are essential features of restaurant sewer systems. That should be in addition to weekly plumbing maintenance to install new parts to prevent potential blockages and ensure the system’s smooth operation.

Gas lines for the kitchen

Restaurants should be able to constantly expand their capacity to offer good food to customers. To do this, they should be able to build on their existing infrastructure easily and at the lowest cost. Given that food is the main product of a restaurant, the business must have a premium gas line system that serves its present needs but also includes capabilities for future expansions. From inception, its gas line design should make room for possible future gas line extensions to serve a new or expanded kitchen. If this is not done, the cost of correcting that error may be too much for the business, forcing it to operate at a smaller scale than its capacity.

Grease traps

Grease traps are a vital plumbing service for restaurants. Restaurants use an enormous amount of cooking oils, fats and grease in different stages of food preparation. By day’s end, huge amounts of that grease will find its way into the restaurant’s wastewater. If allowed to flow into the city sewers and waste treatment facilities, that grease can cause expensive damage. Grease traps keep the fats, oils and grease in restaurant wastewater from entering the sewers and becoming a problem to nature and the city. They help keep the business’ operating costs low by preventing problems that would have happened if a grease trap was missing from the restaurant’s plumbing setup. By catching grease from wastewater and storing it until it can be removed, grease traps help the restaurant’s drain systems operate more efficiently. A grease trap needs to be cleaned on the regular and well maintained at all times.

Plumbing repairs

Breakdowns and malfunctions in a restaurant’s plumbing systems can result in expensive downtimes. Waiting until problems happen before making an effort to fix them is not a viable plumbing maintenance strategy for restaurants. In order to avoid disruptions in the restaurant’s operations, plumbing issues must be detected before they result in delays. That means creating a watertight plumbing maintenance program overseen by a licensed professional who understands the higher working standards required in commercial plumbing and the very narrow margins for error.

To conclude, the foundation for building restaurant plumbing systems that can meet the present and future needs of the business is good design. Hiring a regular plumber instead of a commercial plumber for restaurants, when designing and installing the plumbing, is the main reason restaurant plumbing systems often fail to meet the necessary standards.

Jan '23

Grease Trap Maintenance – The Do’s and Don’ts

If you own a commercial kitchen, restaurant, or food service operation, chances are high that there will be a grease trap inside your drainage systems. Grease traps are essential for buildings used as restaurants, cafés, bars, hotels, bakeries, or schools.

Grease traps help prevent the damage that FOGs (fats, oils, and grease) would do if allowed to indiscriminately enter the municipal sewers and natural waterways. Grease traps are receptacles that catch the grease inside wastewater before the wastewater enters the drainage systems.

But while grease traps protect public sewer systems and the natural environment, grease traps also need to be protected. With proper maintenance, says Service Star Realty, your grease trap will become efficient and pose serious problems for your business and the people who use the premises.

Grease trap cleaning and maintenance is important for the following reasons:

It prevents terrible odors that can emanate from a grease trap and foul up the air inside the building. Foul odors affect the health of your employees/customers and can even ruin your business.
Prevention of damage to drainage systems as a result of the accumulation of solidified FOG (fats, oils, and greases) inside the drainpipes.
Prevention of costly grease trap or drainpipe repairs; the inevitable consequence is if you fail to maintain the grease trap in a timely fashion.
Avoid hefty fines from the authorities due to toxic spillage from a malfunctioning grease trap that pollutes natural water systems and harms local wildlife.

How to maintain your grease trap, the dos, and the don’ts

Don’t: Use enzymes or solvents to clean your grease trap

Solvents and enzymes promise a quick way to clean your grease trap. But these shortcuts can cause you major problems. Grease traps already contain microorganisms and natural enzymes that break down the fats, oils, and grease inside them.

You don’t need to add enzymes artificially, as they can disrupt the natural process. Cleaning solvents or agents like bleach, drain cleaners, or chemicals will destroy the active enzymes inside the grease trap.

Don’t: Pour boiling water into the grease trap

Pouring boiling water into a grease trap or a trap-connected sink will defeat the purpose of having a grease trap. This is because when wastewater enters a grease trap, it slows down to let the less dense FOG in the water rise to the surface. However, the FOG melts and runs quicker when you pour boiling water into the grease trap. This makes it easier for fats, oils, and grease to escape the grease trap.

Don’t: Neglect to clean the grease trap

While grease traps break down the fats, oils, and grease that enter them, this process is not quick enough to keep the trap free of FOGs. Your grease trap will eventually fill up and require cleaning. How you clean the grease trap and how often you do it depends on the size and location of the trap. The regulations in your area also play a role in how often you clean the grease trap.

Do: Install your grease trap properly

The size of the grease trap and how it is installed matter. Grease traps come in various sizes; the right size for your business depends on how much mess is generated in your kitchen. An undersized trap will result in overflows and backups.

To size the grease trap for a business, check the number of sink outlets and other equipment (glasswasher and dishwasher) in the kitchen, as well as the rate at which water flows from the kitchen (measured in gallons per minute-GPM). Proper installation of the grease trap will prevent slow draining. Also, if there is little to no grease accumulating inside the trap, the grease trap must be installed appropriately.

Do: Dispose of food solids properly

Train your staff to always dispose of waste and food solids in the trash; they should not let them wash into the sink. Do not use the grease trap as a waste disposal unit. Install strainers in the sinks to facilitate this process. Allowing food solids to wash into your grease trap will fill up faster and become clogged with waste.

Do: Hire professionals

Hiring professionals to clean your grease trap is the best way to ensure the system’s efficiency. Experts protect your business by eliminating any risk of heavy fines by the authorities. Hiring professionals for this job will save you money; you won’t have to acquire expensive equipment that you only need occasionally. Professionals will also prolong the life of your grease trap by cleaning it thoroughly.

Do: Know the law

Laws guiding the use of grease traps vary by location. These laws cover the right size of a grease trap for specific premises, how often it should be cleaned, how it should be cleaned, and how the waste collected from the grease trap should be disposed of. To avoid penalties or business closure, know what the law says about how to use your grease trap.