1

My 1955 house has a 25 foot drain run from my kitchen to my main stack (~7 feet of bends, then ~18 feet straight along a back wall).
It has clogged several times in various places, and I have had it professionally snaked as well as doing it myself.
The clogs are mainly grease - the only solids are the food bits that make it through the sink strainer. I don't have a garbage disposal, and I've been told I shouldn't install one in this kitchen due to the drain.
The drain tech said that we could just expect to have it snaked once a year or so - his best recommendation was an enzyme product to digest the sludge in the pipes.

I'm hoping I can do better than drain cleaner products by installing a grease trap to intercept most of it before it settles in my pipes. From what I've read, grease traps are common in the commercial​/​industrial​/​restaurant sector, but they seem to be rarely used in homes.

Is this a good idea for my kitchen? What are the criteria for installing a grease trap?
Besides the under-sink space and periodic cleaning, what are the drawbacks?

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

I would just use an enzyme once a week or once a month. Buying a case of that stuff will be less expensive than making enough space under your sink and installing a (stinky, smelly, disgusting) grease trap.

And the enzyme stuff is not made up of harsh chemicals.

Improve this answer
4
  • It sounds like the main drawback is the odor, then?
    – mskfisher
    Commented Jun 2, 2014 at 16:46
  • And cleaning it out. I'd rather pour some stuff down the drain then clean out a grease trap. Wouldn't you?
    – longneck
    Commented Jun 2, 2014 at 16:47
  • I've never cleaned one out, so it's hard to say. :) The diagrams make it look like you open the trap and scoop the accumulated fat off the top of the standing water.
    – mskfisher
    Commented Jun 2, 2014 at 19:15
  • We did buy some enzyme cleaner, but it is so heavily scented that it deters us from using it. We'd need to find an unscented variety.
    – mskfisher
    Commented Jun 2, 2014 at 19:16

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.