The installer should follow the grease trap manual and local plumbing code.<\/strong><\/p>\n If the manual requires a vent, do not ignore that instruction.<\/strong><\/p>\n An air admittance valve may not replace a required vent in every area.<\/strong><\/p>\n A vent helps air move through the drain system.<\/p>\n Without venting, water can siphon from traps.<\/p>\n That can let sewer gas enter the room.<\/p>\n A grease trap can also drain slowly without proper air flow.<\/p>\n Slow drainage can make grease build up faster.<\/p>\n Bad smells often follow poor drainage.<\/p>\n The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials offers plumbing code resources at IAPMO<\/a>.<\/p>\n An open floor drain can also cause odor.<\/p>\n The floor drain should have water in its trap.<\/p>\n That water blocks sewer gas.<\/p>\n If the trap dries out, smells can enter the kitchen.<\/p>\n A trap primer may be needed in some cases.<\/p>\n That keeps water in the floor drain trap.<\/p>\n You can learn more about sewer gas concerns from the CDC NIOSH<\/a>.<\/p>\n Small grease traps must be cleaned often.<\/p>\n Some people use a shop vacuum.<\/p>\n That can work for some small units.<\/p>\n But the waste must be handled correctly.<\/p>\n Grease waste should not be dumped outside.<\/p>\n It should not go down another drain.<\/p>\n Many restaurants use grease service companies.<\/p>\n Local rules may also require service records.<\/p>\n Ask the plumber for a clear install plan.<\/p>\n Ask how the trap will be vented.<\/p>\n Ask if an air admittance valve is code-approved.<\/p>\n Ask how the floor drain will be protected from odor.<\/p>\n Also, ask for a permit if one is required.<\/p>\n If the plumber will not answer, call the local inspector.<\/p>\n You can also contact the grease trap maker.<\/p>\n The manual should be followed closely.<\/p>\n A grease trap is not just a box on the floor.<\/p>\n It must be installed as a full drain system.<\/p>\n That includes venting, access, cleaning, and odor control.<\/p>\n If the instructions say vent it, take that seriously.<\/p>\n I’m Chris Mayer, writing for Plumbing 101<\/a>.<\/p>\nWhy Venting Matters<\/h2>\n
What About The Floor Drain?<\/h2>\n
Cleaning Is Also Important<\/h2>\n
What The Owner Should Do Next<\/h2>\n
Final Takeaway<\/h2>\n
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