Dangers of Using Chemicals and Enzymes To Clear Grease Trap Clogs
When running a commercial kitchen, there are always going to be some type of plumbing problems no matter what precautions are taken.
Commercial kitchens owners face a constant battle against clogs and waste build-up in sink drains and grease traps. Restaurant owners often resort to chemicals and enzymes as quick fixes to these issues, but few realize the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface.
There are hazards associated with chemical drain cleaners and enzyme treatments. Safer alternatives should be considered for the long-term health of both commercial kitchen employees and the environment.
The Downside of Chemical Drain Cleaners
Commercial kitchen owners might be tempted to reach for a chemical drain cleaner when faced with a clogged drain or grease trap. These products often promise rapid results, which seem ideal for busy commercial kitchens. But they come with a host of hidden dangers that can cause damage to both the kitchen drains and the environment.
Using chemicals to unclog plumbing blocks doesn’t always work so well.
Chemical drain cleaners can be highly corrosive, posing a risk to both the plumbing and your commercial kitchen staff.
This means older metal and plastic pipes can be melted alongside the clog.
These cleaners often contain harsh substances like sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid, which can damage pipes and fixtures over time. They can also produce toxic fumes and, if used improperly or spilled, can cause burns and respiratory issues for kitchen staff.
If the block isn’t cleared, you just added noxious chemicals into the stopped up sink. This lets vapors leak into your kitchen and could splash on your employees if they try to use a plunger.
Chemical drain cleaners can also be harmful to the environment. When these chemicals are flushed down the drain, they can pollute local waterways and harm aquatic life. The breakdown of these chemicals in the sanitary sewer system can generate toxic byproducts that further contaminate the ecosystem.
Similar to FOG, chemicals dumped into your 3 compartment sinks eventually flow into the surrounding sewer system. This makes it harder to clean wastewater once it reaches a processing plant.
Drain chemicals can also hurt local wildlife if they manage to run off into larger bodies of water. Drain cleaners are just as deadly in high doses to animals as it is to humans.
The Enzyme Treatment Dilemma
Enzyme treatments are often marketed as an eco-friendly solution to managing organic waste in grease traps and drain lines. These treatments contain enzymes and bacteria that break down organic matter, thus reducing the need for more frequent grease trap cleaning. However, there are some important concerns to consider before using enzyme treatments in commercial kitchens.
One significant issue is that enzyme treatments only provide a temporary solution. While they can help break down organic matter in grease traps, they won’t have any impact on non-organic materials such as straws or aluminum foil.
The enzymes must continually be purchased and used regularly or the process may not work as intended, resulting in increased waste buildup. In some cases, the enzymes can even contribute to the growth of harmful bacteria, posing a risk to public health.
For those looking for a better solution, The Drain Strainer offers several benefits compared to chemical cleaners and enzymes by preventing food waste, straws and aluminum foil from getting into your pipes and grease trap while still allowing your sinks to drain quickly.
Avoid Problems With Our Grease Trap Strainer
To combat backups, The Drain Strainer™ can minimize the amount of food solids, plastics and foil that get inside your plumbing pipes and cause grease trap clogs.
Invented by a former restaurant owner, The Drain Strainer™ helps cut down on plumbing issues. It is simple to install. It doesn’t require water or electricity and there are no motors, ball bearings or moving parts that will wear out over time.
The removable catch-all tray captures food waste. This tray slides out and can be emptied into the trash for quick removal, and prevents food debris from clogging the grease trap.
Thanks to the catch-all tray, all types of waste is captured and only greasy water filters into your grease trap. This prevents grease trap clogs from unwanted material inside the grease trap and saves on repair bills.
The Drain Strainer™ also eliminates issues with mangled silverware or dangers from employees putting their hands down the commercial garbage disposal trying to clear out a clog.
Click here to find out more about how our product can keep your commercial kitchen running smoothly.
Commercial kitchen owners need to be aware of the hidden dangers associated with chemical drain cleaners and enzyme treatments.
While these solutions may seem convenient, their potential harm to the environment, plumbing systems, and human health cannot be ignored.
By considering safer alternatives, commercial kitchens can promote a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for everyone.