Why point-source grease interceptors may be the ideal choice

If you own a restaurant or other business within the foodservice industry, chances are good you’re already using some sort of grease interceptor. If not, sooner or later you’ll likely face clogged pipes, back-ups into your kitchen and costly fines.

In the United States, there are three types of grease interceptors generally found within the foodservice industry: small passive hydromechanical grease interceptors (sometimes referred to as grease traps), larger grease interceptors made out of plastic, fiberglass, steel or concrete, and automatic grease removal devices. Though using any of these options is better than nothing, all grease traps are not created equally and, as technology improves, so do grease interceptors.

Today, many establishments are choosing point-source interceptors, like our Big Dipper® Automatic Grease and Oils Removal System, to meet their pretreatment needs. Here are a few reasons why:

Effortlessly maintain compliance

Point-source interceptors are the go-to option for a wide range of foodservice establishments, from full-service restaurants to school cafeterias, to maintain compliance with local sewer system fats, oil and grease (FOG) discharge limits.

Our Big Dipper® system is also a popular option for existing establishments that need to revamp their pretreatment procedures to meet updated regulations. The above-ground system is easy to install and doesn’t require major plumbing changes.

Avoid blockages

Grease may look innocent in its just-cooked, liquid form. But, the fact is, it can wreak havoc on your plumbing and sewer lines once it cools. Grease and food particle buildup within a building’s plumbing system is a leading contributor to line blockages in the U.S. and abroad.

These blockages can seriously jeopardize normal operations and create health and safety hazards within the facility. Proper installation of a point-source interceptor, like our Big Dipper®, can reduce or eliminate grease problems altogether.

Keep costs down

Point-source interceptors can be easily cleaned and emptied by employees, without a pump truck or special equipment, which eliminates the cost of hiring a contractor.

Replacement costs are also a factor. Traditional cast concrete grease interceptors break down as the years go by, and often need to be replaced after 8 or 10 years. In some places, our innovative Big Dippers have been operating for two to three times as long.

Protect your internal plumbing

Even with a high-capacity interceptor, like our Trapzilla®, already in place, a point-source interceptor is the perfect addition. The point-source placement cuts down on the amount of fats, oil and grease that enter your pipes, which, in turn, cuts down on the amount of grease your trap collects.

Perhaps more important, though, is this also helps prevent build-up and blockages in your plumbing. These blockages can reduce the lifespan of your pipes, and lead to messy, costly blockages and back-ups. A grease interceptor can prevent those emergency calls to a plumber.

For large food service establishments, such as hospital cafeterias, college dining halls or resort hotel kitchens, this can be vital. These kinds of establishments often have significant indoor plumbing that wastewater may travel through before it gets to the grease trap or the local public sewer system.

Ease of use

The Big Dipper® Automatic Grease Removal Device automatically runs, based on pre-set skim times and frequencies. Grease that accumulates in the grease interceptor can be disposed of in a municipally approved waste container.

Grease traps and grease interceptors are not one-size fits all devices. It’s important to understand your individual requirements and restraints, and make the best choice based on those.