Frequently Asked Questions

What is a grease trap?

Grease Traps strain and hold fat, oil and grease from waste water outflow that would otherwise go down the drain.

The trapped grease is stored in the trap until it is cleaned out.

Most Local Authorities require a system to prevent grease and fat from flowing into the main sewerage system. Even if it is not required, you may want a Grease Trap to help prevent clogged drains from stopping work.

By slowing down the flow of hot greasy water and allowing the grease to cool. As it cools, the fat, oil and grease separate and float to the top of the Grease Trap. The water continues to flow down the waste pipe.

In kitchen preparation areas, near a dishwasher or at a food processing work station, a stainless steel Grease Trap is best. The size of trap will depend on the volume of water going through your drains and the amount of fat, oil, grease and solid matter usually put into the sink.

Drains block and waste water backs up. Even partial drain blockages can cause floor drains, sinks and dishwashers to back-up. This stops work and may require expensive maintenance.

The Swan Grease Trap takes liquid grease, fat and oils out along with solids, such as food particles.

Fat, oils and grease cling to other solids in your waste water. Minimising the solids and food particles going down the drain will decrease the risk of blockage. The addition of a Dosing Unit that releases a fluid containing live organisms and bio-surfactants will help to break down and digest organic matter, fats and grease overnight. The Swan Dosing Unit is designed to do this and works together with the Swan Grease Trap to prevent blockages.

Customers for our Grease Trap include: Commercial operations (Bistro, Bakery, Cafe, Hotel, Nursing Home, Restaurant, Social Club, Takeaway, Work Canteen) Industrial operations (Factories, Food Packing, Food Processing, Industrial Units, Workshops) Domestic customers (B&Bs, Guest houses).

The size you need is determined by the space under your sink and the amount of water going down your drain. We have provided a selection chart to help you choose. If you have a choice, it is usually best to choose the largest size, giving the most efficient operation and longest cleaning cycle. When you order, we will go through your choice with you to make sure the Grease Trap you choose is right for the job and space available. If you would like help choosing, just let us know and we will be glad to help with your selection.

They are as light as we can build them, and are far lighter than anything in cast iron. The actual weight depends on the model. The smallest weighs 6kg and the largest weighs 68kg. Most weigh 10kg-26kg.

The Swan Enviro Stainless Steel Grease Trap meets all current British Local Authority regulations for waste water quality.

It is a matter of pence per week. The only cost for the Grease Trap is for a new neoprene seal, probably required annually. If your system includes a dosing unit, then you will need to replenish the Dosing Fluid when it is used up. The amount you use will depend on the size of the trap and the volume of the outflow, but a 5-litre container of Swan Freshflo® bioactive Dosing Fluid should last several weeks. Please contact us for the current prices for seals and Dosing Fluid.

If it fits under your sink, it should work. You will need the appropriate size of Multifit attachments (not supplied). You may have to adapt the height of your inflow and outflow pipes to ensure free filling and draining, so we recommend installation by a qualified plumber.

We recommend that it is fit by a qualified plumber, but any good plumber should have no problems if your current pipe work is of adequate size, in good condition and accessible.

We maintain good stocks of all sizes. In any case, we can fill your order in just a few days.

Once we have your order, we will confirm that the size is right for your application, then arrange delivery. For most of Great Britain, delivery is on the next working day. For some of Scotland and the Islands, delivery may take longer. If your order is urgent, let us know and we will try and meet your deadline.