What minimum capacity is required for a grease interceptor?

A grease interceptor is a crucial component in plumbing systems, especially in commercial kitchens, to prevent grease and oils from entering the wastewater system. The minimum capacity required for a grease interceptor is essential for effective operation, as it ensures that the interceptor can handle the volume of greasy waste generated without overwhelming the system.

The reason a capacity of 500 gallons is significant lies in the fact that this size is typically adequate for most commercial establishments, providing enough space for the grease to rise and separate from the wastewater. A larger interceptor could lead to inefficiencies, as grease might not float properly if the interceptor has too much volume, thus failing to adequately prevent grease from being discharged into the sewer system.

Proper sizing based on the intended use and expected volume of wastewater is critical to ensure that the grease interceptor functions effectively, complies with local plumbing codes, and protects the municipal wastewater treatment systems from overflow and blockage caused by fats, oils, and grease (FOG) deposits.