What Is Grease Trap Used For? The First Line of Defense for Your Drains

By Benner Plumbing Staff | December 26, 2025

If you own a restaurant, commercial kitchen, or even a busy household, you may have heard about grease traps—but what is grease trap used for, and why is it so important? Grease traps play a critical role in protecting plumbing systems, preventing costly blockages, and meeting local plumbing regulations.

In this guide, Benner Plumbing explains what grease traps do, how they work, where they’re required, and why proper maintenance matters—especially for Calgary homes and businesses.

What Is a Grease Trap?

A grease trap, also known as a grease interceptor, is a plumbing device designed to capture fats, oils, and grease (commonly called FOG) before they enter the sewer system. These substances may look harmless when poured down the drain, but as they cool, they solidify and stick to pipes, causing major clogs over time.

Understanding what a grease trap is used for helps prevent plumbing emergencies and expensive repairs.

What Is a Grease Trap Used For?

The main purpose of a grease trap is to separate grease and solids from wastewater. It allows water to flow through while trapping grease before it can harden inside plumbing lines or municipal sewers.

Grease traps are used to:

  • Prevent clogged drains and sewer backups

  • Protect plumbing pipes from grease buildup

  • Reduce foul odors caused by decomposing waste

  • Help businesses comply with plumbing and health regulations

  • Extend the lifespan of commercial and residential plumbing systems

How Does a Grease Trap Work?

Grease traps work using a simple but effective process:

  1. Wastewater enters the trap from sinks, dishwashers, or floor drains

  2. Grease floats to the top because it’s lighter than water

  3. Solid food particles sink to the bottom

  4. Cleaner water exits the trap, flowing safely into the sewer system

Over time, grease and solids must be removed through regular cleaning to keep the system working properly.

Where Are Grease Traps Commonly Used?

Commercial Kitchens

Grease traps are most commonly used in:

  • Restaurants and cafés

  • Commercial kitchens

  • Hotels and banquet halls

  • Food processing facilities

In many municipalities, installing a grease trap is mandatory for food-service businesses.

Residential Homes

While not always required, grease traps can also benefit:

  • Homes with heavy cooking routines

  • Multi-family residences

  • Properties with older plumbing systems

If you’ve ever wondered what a grease trap is used for in a home, the answer is simple—added protection against grease-related clogs.

Why Grease Traps Are Important for Plumbing Systems

Without a grease trap, fats and oils coat the inside of pipes, narrowing them over time. This leads to:

  • Slow drains

  • Persistent blockages

  • Sewer backups

  • Emergency plumbing calls

By understanding what a grease trap is used for, homeowners and business owners can prevent avoidable plumbing disasters.

Grease Trap Maintenance: Why It Matters

A grease trap only works if it’s properly maintained. When neglected, grease traps can overflow, smell terrible, and stop functioning altogether.

Recommended maintenance includes:

  • Regular inspections

  • Scheduled grease removal

  • Professional cleaning

  • Proper disposal of collected grease

Benner Plumbing provides professional grease trap maintenance services to ensure your system stays compliant and problem-free.

Signs You May Need a Grease Trap or Service

You may need a grease trap installation or cleaning if you notice:

  • Frequent drain clogs

  • Greasy or sewage odors

  • Slow drainage in kitchen sinks

  • Backups in floor drains

  • Health or plumbing code violations

Trust Benner Plumbing for Grease Trap Installation and Service

Now that you know what a grease trap is used for, having the right system installed and maintained by professionals is essential. Benner Plumbing serves Calgary and surrounding areas with expert plumbing solutions for both residential and commercial clients.

Our licensed plumbers can help with:

  • Grease trap installation

  • Grease trap cleaning and maintenance

  • Plumbing inspections and compliance support

  • Emergency plumbing services

Understanding what is grease trap used for can save you from costly plumbing repairs, regulatory issues, and unnecessary downtime. Whether you operate a commercial kitchen or want to protect your home plumbing, grease traps are a smart investment.

If you’re unsure whether you need one—or if yours needs service—contact Benner Plumbing today for expert advice and reliable solutions.

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