What is a grease trap or interceptor?

A grease trap, also called a grease interceptor, is a plumbing fixture that sits between a commercial kitchen's drains and the municipal sewer system. It works by slowing wastewater flow so that cooled fats, oils, and grease (FOG) solidify and float to the surface, where they are trapped in a chamber. Cleaner water passes through to the sewer below. Without one, FOG builds up inside sewer pipes, causing backups, blockages, and expensive damage to both the restaurant and municipal infrastructure.

Connecticut health codes and local plumbing ordinances in the Greater Hartford area require grease traps for any food service operation that produces cooking oils and fats. This includes restaurants, cafes, delis, and institutional kitchens. The size and type of trap depend on the kitchen's volume and usage. Grease traps must be cleaned regularly, typically by a licensed waste hauler, to keep them effective and compliant with local regulations. When a trap fails or is neglected, the costs mount quickly: backed-up drains, health code violations, and emergency plumbing repairs. If you operate a commercial kitchen or are setting one up, installing a properly sized grease trap is not optional. A qualified commercial plumber can assess your kitchen's needs, select the right interceptor, and ensure it meets Hartford-area code requirements.