Grease Trap For Sink In Workshop?

[DC73]

Anyone install a grease trap on the sink in their workshop? Debating the merits of doing so.

I'll be adding a parts washer to the shop when finished but I have a septic system and know I'll be putting some grease down the drain just from washing hands, etc.

Other than having to clean the trap on occasion, are there any downsides to installing a grease trap?

There's also the issue of washing paint brushes, getting dirt into the drain, etc. What about a combination grease trap / sediment trap?

Appreciate any insight.

Thanks,

DC

 

[Cyberbear]

A grease/sediment trap won't hurt if you think you'll need them, especially in a septic leach field situation. I use a separate drain for kitchen grease and bathroom septic needs, this has worked well for me the last ten years. The kitchen garbage disposal and laundry tub drain onto an adjoining 2.5 acre lot and the bathroom into the usual 1000 gallon septic tank and leach field. This way there is no grease to clog the drainage of the leach field.

 

[DC73]

A grease/sediment trap won't hurt if you think you'll need them, especially in a septic leach field situation.

Thanks for the input. Your situation sounds ideal. I don't have the option of separate drains.

DC

 

[sberry]

I use the common for the sinks and don't have a trap. I don't pour grease down, am using dish soap mostly, seems fine. Kitchens, especially commercial ones really have grease, I doubt if hand wash is a big deal.

 

[BD1]

Maybe consider a drum trap.

 

[sberry]

Fundamentally there is nothing wrong with the idea but while a great commercial or industrial concept similar to many of the air piping schemes we see its one of those things that realistically you probably dont need. It would be different if this was a commercial establishment subject to regular inspections with dumb azzes of every shape pouring anything and everything down the sink.
Millions and millions of homes (most) and small garages do not have these, there would be a code requirement if it was a serious issue.

 

[DC73]

Millions and millions of homes (most) and small garages do not have these, there would be a code requirement if it was a serious issue.

I hear you. This house is very likely going to be my forever house and I want to do everything reasonable to make it last and avoid problems. It may not matter but it seems that grease from auto maintenance, etc wouldn't be good for a septic system.

DC

 

[sberry]

It isn't any good for it but not a deal breaker if you are not pouring it in. I wipe before wash and using detergent soap will cut it. At this rate no worse than cooking for sure.

 

[aptdweller]

I think this is a smart idea, especially since you have septic system chemistry to think about too. Grease is about as bad as it gets for clogging pipes, so if you can prevent one blockage over the lifetime of the house, it will be well worth from a effort/cost standpoint.

 

[pcmeiners]

Sound idea, my my friend has a commercial printing shop, he has no traps. I have seen his septic tank (cement cason/gravel) , entire surfaces covered with oils, needs to be pumped regularly as a result. Having worked in a large building as the head of maintenance, small traps do nothing, you need the large commercial kitchen type, you can get them second hand; you still need to be diligent about cleaning them.

 

[DC73]

. . . small traps do nothing, you need the large commercial kitchen type, you can get them second hand; you still need to be diligent about cleaning them.

If I do this, it will have to fit under the sink in a standard kitchen type 36" sink base cabinet. There are no other good options since I thought about this too late in the build.

DC