If you operate a commercial kitchen, you’ve likely come across products claiming to clear out your grease trap with just a pour-and-go solution. These grease trap chemical additives may seem convenient, but they cause more harm than good. They also do not meet Arizona’s standards for proper wastewater treatment.

The Risks Behind Chemical Additives

Grease trap chemical additives don’t remove grease. They simply break it down temporarily and send it deeper into your plumbing or out into the municipal sewer system. Once the grease cools, it solidifies again, creating clogs far beyond your trap. This often leads to costly backups, environmental concerns, and potential violations.

In Arizona, using these chemical treatments can result in non-compliance with local and state wastewater regulations. Inspectors don’t just look for clean traps, they check service records and expect routine pumping. If chemicals are masking the problem instead of solving it, you could be flagged for improper maintenance.

Why Chemical Additives Don’t Belong in Your Trap

Grease trap chemical additives also interfere with the natural bacteria inside the trap. These bacteria help break down food particles and other organic matter. When chemicals kill them off, your trap loses its ability to function properly.

The damage might not be immediate, but over time, your system becomes less efficient and more prone to failure. Even worse, using additives can invalidate inspection records if the grease levels don’t match your documented service schedule.

Protect Your System with Proper Maintenance

There’s only one proven way to keep your grease trap working: regular, professional service. At HomeField Onsite Environmental, we help restaurants and commercial kitchens maintain clean, compliant systems without relying on short-term fixes.

If you’re struggling with odor, slow drainage, or frequent backups, don’t pour in chemicals. Call in our team instead. We’ll inspect your trap, create a service schedule that works, and keep your kitchen running without disruption.