Blockages in the sewer system are usually formed due to the settling of solid particles (insoluble fat, food residue) on the walls of the pipes. Gradually, the throughput of the pipes decreases, an unpleasant odor appears. No household chemicals can dissolve old deposits (the effect will last for a couple of weeks), you will have to clean everything manually at best, flush the sewer. At worst, completely disassemble the system. To reduce costs, extend the life of the sewer system or septic tank (if we are talking about a private house), special devices will help.
Content
A grease trap (also known as a separator) is something like a filter, the task of which is not only to purify water, but to retain insoluble particles of fats and oils. The design is simple - in appearance it is a box made of stainless steel, plastic, fiberglass with pipes for connecting sewer pipes. Branch pipes can be both in the upper part and in the side walls.
The internal part of the body is divided by partitions - they prevent the mixing of already purified and dirty water. The principle of operation is simple - water from the sink enters the first compartment of the grease trap, is cleaned from suspended particles, in the second compartment - in fact, from the grease-oil film. After almost clean - goes into the sewer.
It should be borne in mind that the chamber is gradually filled, so it must be cleaned periodically to prevent grease from entering the sewer pipe. The cleaning method depends on the model - manual (of course, it is not pleasant, but everything is better than clearing a clogged sewer) or automatic.
Advantages of installing separators:
And, of course, extending the life of the sewer system.
According to the type of body material - plastic, fiberglass, steel, stainless steel or aluminum.
By type of installation - vertical and horizontal. The former save space, the latter will fit even in a small niche under the sink. These are installed in small cafes, when every centimeter of production space is used to the maximum.
There are corner models specifically for kitchen sets with corner swing cabinets. Their plus in compact placement, the ability to connect to 2 sinks at the same time. Minus - decent dimensions.
Installation of a standard household grease trap usually does not cause any difficulties. The device is placed on a base previously aligned horizontally (floor, bottom shelf of the cabinet) - this is necessary to protect the case and so that the normal flow of water from one compartment to another is not disturbed.
After that, you need to connect the device to the receiver (sink) and the outlet line (the actual sewer pipe). In the first case, a corrugated siphon hose is simply attached to the socket, in the second case, part of the system is disassembled and the pipe is connected to the sewer pipe.
After installation, the device is checked for leaks - just open the faucet or fill the sink, and then drain the water. If there are no leaks in the seams, the places where the pipes are attached to the body, then everything is done correctly.
True, it is still worth periodically inspecting the seals, as necessary, changing worn ones.
Pay attention to dimensions.After installing the device, there must be enough free space so that you can safely remove the cover from the grease trap. Plus, you need to take into account that when cleaning the internal compartments, part of the fat can get behind the back wall of the device - that is, you should not forget about free access from all sides.
See technical specifications. It is better if the diameter of the pipes matches the diameter of the sewer pipes (siphon outlet), so that you do not have to install additional adapters. So the risk of leaks will be less. It is also worth paying attention to the length of the pipes - the longer it is, the easier it will be to connect the device.
Performance - in the data sheet indicate the throughput parameters in liters per second and with a one-time discharge of water from the sink. So take a model in which the second parameter coincides with the volume of the sink.
Make sure that the top cover is equipped with a seal, fits snugly against the case, otherwise an unpleasant odor cannot be avoided (even if the case is made of stainless steel, inert to the growth of bacteria). The type of lock - a latch or a screw-down lamb does not matter much. It does not particularly affect the closing density, it's all about ease of use.
Speaking of convenience, models with removable partitions are easier to clean, as are devices with trays (these trays collect small debris that accidentally fell into the drain hole of the sink). Grease traps with a built-in compressor can independently collect grease in a separate canister. All maintenance consists in the periodic replacement of canisters and flushing of the body. Only here the prices for such models start from 30,000 rubles. Plus they only have a one year warranty. For comparison, for budget models - 3 years (for most manufacturers).
If you are looking for a model with a plastic case, it is better to take one with a solid, seamless one - they are stronger, tighter, and last longer.
In plumbing equipment stores, marketplaces, on the official websites of the manufacturer. The last option is probably the most optimal - here, usually, the technical parameters are indicated, and you can see the installation instructions. Even if the manufacturer does not have its own online store, then the site usually contains links to online sites.
When choosing marketplaces, pay attention to reviews, delivery times, return conditions. It happens that even defective or damaged goods due to the fault of the transport company, the buyer must send to the supplier at his own expense (considering not to say that the small weight of the device, the shipment will cost an extra 500-1500 rubles).
As for prices, it is better to compare them in several stores. It happens that on a large site, even with a 50% discount (some especially generous sellers may indicate 70%), the device will cost more than in some small online store (and without any discounts).
To protect the sewer system in a private house, a small device is usually enough, it can be in a plastic case. The main thing is to make sure that chlorine-containing bleaches or chemicals containing formaldehyde do not get into the grease trap along with water. They can damage the material of the housing and internal baffles.
To prolong the life of the device, you should regularly use hot water, this is something like preventive protection against blockages, and prevent large particles of food and debris from getting into the grease trap.
With a one-piece molded plastic body, designed for a capacity of 0.35 - 1.5 m3 (uneven wastewater discharge per hour) and 20-100 liters at the time of peak discharge. The location of the nozzles is on the side, or in the upper part of the cover.
The model is easy to install and maintain. To simplify cleaning, you can use biopreparations (capsules, powders that break down the fat layer at the bottom of the compartments).
Price - from 5100 rubles, the country of origin is Russia.
A good option for a private home. Designed for installation under the sink. The location of the inlet pipe is top. The capacity and peak discharge volume of wastewater is the same as the previous model.
Compatible with biopreparations - it is better to use them immediately after installation, because. due to the small size of the compartments, you will have to clean the grease trap once a week. Clip-on closures are easy to open and securely hold the lid in place.
Price - from 4460 rubles, the country of origin is Russia.
Model for installation under the sink, powered by 220 V, equipped with a special canister for collecting fat, removable partitions and one removable chamber. Designed for peak discharge of 60 l, maximum throughput - up to 1000 l / h.
Installed below the level of the sink siphon, due to its high performance it can be used for primary wastewater treatment in small cafes. Cleaning - manual, as needed, but at least once a month.
The price is 39,900 rubles, the country of origin is Russia.
Stainless steel is suitable for a small family. Easy to install, looks good (if there is no way to close a niche in the kitchen), does not rust, easy to use - you can clean with brushes, use acid-free detergents.
The manufacturer claims that the installation of such a device eliminates the appearance of an unpleasant odor. This is not entirely true. There is no seal on the lid, the latches are weak, so the top lid does not close tightly.
Price - 7900 rubles.
Two-chamber, with a one-piece molded body made of inert heat-resistant plastic. The lid is removable, closes with 4 metal latches, fits snugly to the body due to the seal. The grease receptacle is removable, which makes it easy to clean, plus there are no restrictions on dumping garbage (large food particles are retained in the receptacle and do not enter the sewer).
If necessary, you can put a filling sensor on the device (not included in the delivery set, supplied separately).
Price - from 10200 rubles.
Namely, FATbox 0.3-15H is compact, with lateral nozzles, due to its small dimensions it can easily fit in a kitchen cabinet under the sink. The body is molded, made of polyethylene. Cover fastening - cap locks or screws. Due to the seal around the perimeter of the upper part of the “box”, the lid closes tightly and does not let in odors.
Productivity - 0.3 m3 / h, peak discharge - 15 liters, for a family of 3-4 people, that's it. Just keep in mind that due to the small size of the receivers, you will have to clean the compartments from accumulated fat more often.
Price - 3300 rubles.
With the same technical parameters as the previous model, with side nozzles, a removable tray included. Base dimensions - 300x300 mm, height 450 mm. The lid closes with 4 locks. Due to the seal, it reliably retains unpleasant odors.
The length of the nozzles is decent - 240 mm (inlet), 155 mm (outlet), can be mounted without adapters, which will increase the tightness of the device.Due to the removable tray (included in the package of the entire line, regardless of dimensions and technical parameters), cleaning takes several minutes.
Price - 4400 rubles (can be ordered on the manufacturer's website).
With auto-collect function, built-in compressor and replaceable receiver canister. Installation type - side, removable waste tray included. The baffles are removable for easy cleaning.
The case is polypropylene, not cast, but made soundly, so there should be no problems with tightness. Weight is only 6 kg, base dimensions are 320-370 mm, height is 400 mm - it fits easily into a standard kitchen cabinet.
Price - 30700 rubles.
Strong, durable with polypropylene body. According to the manufacturer, if the operating rules are followed, it will last at least 50 years. The case is two-section, without removable partitions. The performance is decent, so the model is suitable for a large family. Weight - 8 kg, if you are going to put the grease trap in a kitchen cabinet, it is better to strengthen the base in advance.
Now about the cons. There is only one latch on the lid, it will not be possible to put an additional tray due to the design features. Cleaning the compartments will also not be very convenient. The rest of the device is reliable, cleans water well.
Price - 7900 rubles.
All presented models can be bought both on the manufacturer's website and on marketplaces. The rating is based on feedback from real users, an assessment of the ratio of technical parameters, and prices.