Maintenance Procedures

Gravity Grease Interceptors

Due to their size, interceptors are usually cleaned by service technicians or licensed grease haulers. A proper maintenance procedure for a gravity grease interceptor is outlined below:

  1. Contact a service technician or licensed grease hauler for cleaning.
  2. Ensure that all flow is stopped to the interceptor by shutting the isolation valve in the inlet piping to the interceptor.
  3. Remove the lids and pump out the accumulated water, grease, oil, and sediment in the interceptor.
  4. Scrape clean and remove baffles if possible.
  5. Scrape the sides, the lid, and the baffles with appropriate tools to remove as much of the grease as possible. Dispose of the grease in the pumper truck.
  6. Inspect the Inlet, Baffle, and Outlet Tees. Inspect the interceptor lids. Clean, repair (tees), and replace gaskets (lids), as necessary.
  7. Replace the baffles
  8. Re-open the isolation valve, and verify flow.
  9. Seal lids on the interceptor.
  10. Record the date and volume of grease removed and maintenance performed in the maintenance log.

Hydromechanical Grease Interceptors

Hydromechanical grease interceptors are usually able to be cleaned by facility staff. A proper maintenance procedure for a hydromechanical grease interceptor is outlined below:

  • Remove the access cover(s) to the unit. Remove the solids strainer and dispose of the accumulated debris as solid waste. Empty the grease/oil container into a “brown grease” container.
  • Bail out any remaining grease/oil remaining in the interceptor. Dispose the grease/oil into a “brown grease” container.
  • Remove the remaining water and discharge it into the sanitary sewer system.
  • Remove all removable parts (baffles, skimmer blades, troughs, etc.).
  • Scrape the sides, the lid, and the baffles and removable parts with appropriate tools to remove as much of the grease as possible. Dispose of the “scrapings” into a “brown grease” container.
  • Inspect all parts (skimmer blades, gaskets, etc.), for damage and wear, and replace as necessary.
  • Re assemble the removed parts, and baffle. Re-install the strainer and grease container. Verify proper mechanical operation. Secure lids.
  • Record the date and volume of grease removed and maintenance performed in the maintenance log.

Note: Since the facility is liable for the condition of their pretreatment devices, the facility owners/representatives should always witness all cleaning/maintenance activities to verify that their grease removal device is being fully cleaned and properly maintained.

 If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact the Lake County Special Districts Administration at 707-263-0119.