Over the years, grease has created blockages in the sewer lines that result in sewer backups and overflows. Sewer backups and overflows cause residential property damage, environmental contamination, health hazards and expensive collection system repairs.

To minimize grease in the collection system, grease traps are installed as integral parts of a food establishment's waste water system. Waste water from the dishwasher, sinks, and floor drains contain various amounts of fats and oils, which must be removed from the wastewater stream.

This waste passes down drainpipes that lead to the grease trap. The grease trap's job is to slow the flow of water and allow it to cool inside the grease trap. As the water cools in the grease trap, fats and oils, being lighter than water, float to the top. The water flows through the outlet baffle and fats and oils are "trapped" inside the grease trap.

To combat the problem of grease entering the sewer lines, GCHD has a grease trap inspection program in select cities within the county. These inspections will be unannounced and routine. During these inspections, facilities' grease trap maintenance records will be reviewed and the overall condition of the grease trap will be assessed. Inspectors will also examine the surface of the grease traps - checking for watertight lids and grease spilled around the area. The layer of solid grease within the grease trap will be examined and any malfunctions with the trap will be noted.

Food establishments found in violation will be initially served with a Notice of Violation. Fines will be issued if the problem is not corrected within a specified time period. Fines will accrue daily until the facility is in compliance.

Maintain a Clean Grease Trap!
It is required under City Ordinance that all grease traps be pumped, "cleaned," on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning. This will limit the amount of grease entering the sanitary sewer collection system.

Grease traps that are not well maintained are in Violation of Ordinance.
Poorly maintained grease traps allow grease to escape from the trap, and become hard and cling to the interior of the drain and sewer pipes. Over time, this build-up of fats and oils will cause clogs in sewer lines. These clogs could cause sewer back-ups into residential homes and manholes. Back-ups in manholes will cause overflows into the street and nearby storm drains.

This can be very costly to you if the blockage is caused by grease emanating from your establishment. The city may have YOU pay to have the problem remedied.

Be sure that when you have your trap serviced that the sample manhole is also serviced. Grease build-up in drains and sewer pipes can be very costly for any facility to fix.

For questions concerning grease trap inspections,Call the Galveston County Health District,
409.938.2251