They quietly handle the fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that can wreak havoc on plumbing and sewer systems. But not everything belongs in there. Some items can cause expensive damage, foul odors, and even health hazards. Here’s a fun and practical look at what you should never put in your grease trap—and why avoiding these common mistakes will save you serious headaches down the line.

Coffee Grounds: A Brewing Problem

Coffee grounds might seem harmless, but they’re a grease trap’s worst nightmare. When they mix with grease, they create a thick, sludgy mess that’s tough to break down. Over time, this sludge clogs up your trap, leading to backups and costly cleanups.

Instead of dumping coffee grounds, compost them. It’s better for your system and better for the environment.

Bones, Food Scraps, and FOG: The Fast Lane to Disaster

Throwing bones or large food scraps into a grease trap is a recipe for disaster. Grease traps are designed to handle fats, oils, and grease—not solid waste. Tossing in the wrong materials leads to blockages and foul odors rising from your drains. Clearing out those blockages? That’s a job nobody wants and a bill nobody enjoys.

To keep things flowing, scrape food waste into the trash before rinsing. Even better, use a food waste disposal system or compost bin to reduce what goes down your drains.

Chemicals: A Grease Trap’s Arch-Nemesis

Pouring harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners into your grease trap might seem like a quick fix, but it only causes more harm. These substances can kill the helpful bacteria that break down grease, throwing your system out of balance and making problems worse.

Skip the chemicals and stick with routine professional maintenance. The team at HomeField is here to help keep your kitchen clean and functional.

Protect Your Grease Trap and Your Wallet

A well-maintained grease trap keeps your kitchen running smoothly and avoids expensive repairs. By steering clear of coffee grounds, food scraps, and harsh chemicals, you’ll extend the life of your grease trap and reduce your environmental footprint. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in keeping your kitchen operations flowing like a dream.