Grease Trap Installation

Grease Trap Installation

Grease trap installation is one of the most effective ways to prevent fat, oil and grease (FOG) from causing blocked drains, foul odours and kitchen downtime. In hospitality and food production environments, even small amounts of grease quickly build up in pipework once they cool  and that build-up is one of the most common causes of repeat drainage problems.

At ICE Drainage, we install grease traps for restaurants, hotels, pubs, caf?e9s, takeaways, staff canteens, food production units and multi-tenant commercial buildings. Whether you need a compact internal unit for a small kitchen, or a higher-capacity solution for a busy site, we?ll specify and install a practical system designed for easy servicing and long-term reliability.

Call ICE Drainage on [PHONE] or email contactus@icedrainage.co.uk to book a grease trap installation survey and quotation.

Grease trap installation for commercial kitchens

A grease trap (also known as a grease separator or interceptor) is installed on kitchen wastewater lines to capture FOG and food solids before they enter the main drainage system.

A correctly specified and installed grease trap helps you:

• Reduce blocked drains and emergency call-outs

• Protect internal pipework, stack lines and underground drainage

• Reduce odours in kitchens and waste areas

• Improve hygiene and reduce pest attraction

• Support landlord, insurer and facilities management requirements

• Reduce the risk of pollution incidents and non-compliance

If you?re experiencing repeat kitchen drainage issues, installation (or replacement) is often the long-term fix  especially when combined with a planned servicing schedule.

What is a grease trap?

A grease trap is a unit that slows down kitchen wastewater so separation can occur:

• Grease and oils float to the surface

• Food solids settle to the bottom

• Cleaner water exits to the drain

The captured grease and solids must then be removed through routine emptying and cleaning. Without maintenance, the trap will fill up and stop working.

When do you need a grease trap installed?

You may need grease trap installation if:

• You?re opening a new food premises or completing a kitchen fit-out

• You?re refurbishing and upgrading kitchen drainage infrastructure

• Your landlord, managing agent or FM provider requires FOG control

• You?ve had repeat blockages linked to grease build-up

• Your current trap is undersized, poorly located or difficult to maintain

• You?re increasing kitchen capacity (more covers, more equipment, longer service)

• You need a more reliable solution to reduce downtime and call-outs

If you?re unsure what you need, we can survey your site and recommend the most practical option.

Our grease trap installation service

We provide an end-to-end installation service designed around live hospitality environments.

1) Site survey & assessment

We start with a site survey to understand:

• Kitchen layout and available space

• Existing pipework routes and access points

• Peak usage and likely FOG load

• Whether an internal, external or underground unit is best

• Access for servicing and emptying

• Operational constraints (service hours, noise, odour control, tenant requirements)

2) Trap specification & sizing

Correct sizing is crucial. A trap that?s too small fills quickly, smells, and overflows; a trap that?s too large can be impractical and costly.

We specify the right unit based on:

• Type of premises and food preparation

• Number of covers / meals served

• Dishwashing and pot-wash volumes

• Equipment producing greasy effluent

• Space and servicing access

We?ll also advise on best-practice kitchen procedures to reduce FOG loading and improve performance.

3) Installation & pipework integration

We install the grease trap and integrate it correctly into the kitchen waste line, including:

• Pipework modifications and rerouting where required

• Isolation points / access for servicing

• Venting and odour control considerations

• Testing for leaks and correct flow

Where possible, we plan works around service times to minimise disruption.

4) Commissioning & handover

Once installed, we:

• Test performance and confirm correct operation

• Provide a handover explaining how the unit works

• Recommend emptying frequency and servicing schedules

• Provide documentation suitable for FM records

Need installation fast? Call [PHONE]  we can prioritise urgent hospitality fit-outs and refurbishments.

Internal vs external grease traps

The best location depends on your building layout, kitchen size, and servicing access.

Internal grease traps

Installed within the kitchen or a nearby service area.

Best for:

• Smaller kitchens with limited external access

• Fit-outs with planned service cupboards

• Sites where excavation isn?t feasible

Considerations:

• Odour control and ventilation

• Space constraints

• Easy access for emptying and cleaning

External / underground grease traps

Installed outside the building, often in a dedicated chamber.

Best for:

• High-volume kitchens

• Multi-tenant sites with shared kitchen waste lines

• Sites needing higher capacity and easier tanker access

Considerations:

• Groundworks and reinstatement

• Safe access and traffic management

• Planning around deliveries and customer areas

We?ll recommend the most practical approach for your site.

Grease trap replacement & upgrades

If you already have a grease trap but still experience FOG problems, it may be:

• Undersized for your current kitchen output

• Installed too far from the source (grease cools in pipework first)

• Difficult to access, so servicing is inconsistent

• Damaged, leaking, or incorrectly configured

We can replace existing units and improve surrounding pipework to reduce future issues.

Planned servicing after installation (PPM)

A grease trap is only effective if it?s maintained. We can provide planned servicing, including:

• Routine emptying and cleaning

• Condition checks and performance assessment

• Reporting and photographic evidence for compliance

• Recommendations to reduce FOG loading

This is especially valuable for facilities management and multi-site hospitality groups who need consistent standards and auditable records.

Ask about servicing options when you book your installation.

Common problems a grease trap helps prevent

A correctly installed and maintained grease trap helps reduce:

• Blocked sinks, floor drains and dishwashers

• Slow drainage and recurring internal backups

• Foul odours in kitchens and waste areas

• Grease build-up in underground lines

• Emergency closures due to drainage failures

• Pollution risk from grease discharge

If you?re dealing with repeat issues, we can also carry out investigations (including CCTV surveys where appropriate) to confirm root cause and recommend a permanent fix.

Why choose ICE Drainage?

Hospitality sites need a drainage partner that understands service pressure, compliance expectations and the cost of downtime.

With ICE Drainage, you get:

• Commercial-first approach for kitchens, hotels, pubs and restaurants

• Planned works for refurbishments, fit-outs and upgrades

• Emergency response capability if you need urgent support

• Clear reporting suitable for facilities management records

• Wider drainage capability (jetting, internal pipework cleaning, investigations and repairs)

Grease trap installation FAQs

Is a grease trap the same as a grease separator?

The terms are often used interchangeably. In practice, both refer to systems designed to separate FOG and solids from kitchen wastewater.

Will installation disrupt kitchen service?

We plan works to minimise disruption. Some installations can be completed out of hours or in phases. During the survey we?ll confirm the best approach.

Can you install grease traps for multi-site groups?

Yes. We can standardise specifications across multiple locations and support ongoing servicing.

Book a grease trap installation survey

If you need a grease trap installed, replaced or upgraded, we?ll help you choose a practical solution that protects your drainage system and reduces call-outs.

Call ICE Drainage on [PHONE] or email contactus@icedrainage.co.uk to arrange a site survey and quotation.