"Very proud to be the installer of the septic system for Extreme Makeover Home Edition home for the Koepke family in Osceola (Dundee) Wisconsin. Episode to air on ABC late November 2006"

The Herr family is in their fourth generation in the plumbing industry, specializing in the design, installation, and management of every type of Privately Owned On-site Wastewater Treatment System. These systems include conventional septic systems, trench systems, mound systems, in ground pressure systems, at-grade systems, mound systems, aerobic systems, sand-filter systems, experimental systems, etc. for new construction or replacement.

GREASE & GREASE TRAPS

Your Full Service Grease and Septic Solution
Our septage and grease trap service division consists of two fully equipped tankers, a fully equiped service truck, portable pumping equipment and a knowledgeable staff to address any problems you may have. Our equipment is capable of pumping liquid from 500 feet away with a 4,000 gallon capacity. They include high velocity water jet units to deal with any line blockage that may be found during a routine grease trap visit. As a Herr Environmental client, you have 24/7 access to our services. When that emergency situation does occur we will be there to help you keep your operation running.

These traps need a consistent maintenance program that takes your business volume into consideration. Herr Environmental will work with you to establish just the right schedule, and you can be assured that the trap will be maintained as agreed upon. In addition you will receive a timely report about the status and condition of your trap(s) with any recommendations as to cleaning schedule frequency or maintenance issues. In addition to servicing and repairing grease trap systems, we also design and install septic and grease trap systems to meet any commercial need.

What is a grease trap and how does it work?
Grease traps are the part of your waste water system that captures grease and oil from the wastewater flow. The grease and oil are stored in the trap (actually a tank) ranging from 10 gallons to 1,000 gallons or more. Small inside grease traps are usually located in the kitchen floor preparation areas or near dishwashers. This type of grease trap requires frequent maintenance and is typically ineffective. Larger outside grease traps are usually located a few feet from the building exterior in parking, delivery or drive-thru areas. While outside grease traps are more effective, they also require periodic maintenance.

A grease trap works by slowing down the flow of hot greasy water and allowing it to cool. As the hot water cools, the grease and oil separate and float to the top of the grease trap. The cooler water continues to flow down the pipe to the sewer. The grease is actually trapped by "baffles" which cover the inlet and outlet of the tank, preventing grease from flowing out of the trap.

Why do back-ups and blockages occur?
Back-ups and blockages occur as a result of poor housekeeping or improper and insufficient grease trap and drain line maintenance. A partial or total blockage in a drain line or grease trap can cause floor drains, sinks and/or dishwashers to back-up and become inoperative. A grease trap or drain line which is not periodically maintained will eventually clog, causing a disruption of service, and ultimately, a facility shutdown. Understanding your system

Best Practices

Do:

• Make sure all kitchen sinks are tied into trap.
• Pump traps regularly, leaving most of the liquid in trap.
• Train kitchen staff to remove as much as possible from plates before rinsing (esp. creamy sauces, gravies, and cooking oils).
• Practice water conservation as feasible.
• Consider a low temperature sanitizing rinse dishwasher, to reduce emulsified oils.
• Use proper concentrations of cleaners and disinfectants, plus look for special dishwashing detergents that promote rapid oil/water separation.
• Use shortenings (which solidify at room temperature) in place of liquid vegetable oil.
• Clean drain lines regularly
• Inspect system components periodically
• Keep records of when and how much used oil is collected, when grease traps are inspected, when and who cleaned the grease trap, and where the material from the trap was taken. (Our database management system can help you with this.)

• Do not use hot water, acids, caustics, solvents or emulsifying agents when cleaning grease traps. (Yes, some do this!)
• Have commercial dishwasher connected to trap (hi temp H2O and detergents flush trap). Small automated traps can be installed downstream of dishwashers and sinks that automatically drain FOG (Fat's, oils, and grease) into a container for recycling
• Connect food waste disposers to trap.
• Think that just because you pump your septic system regularly, that you are protected!
• Pour grease or oil down drain
• Use unlicensed vendors Disposal of used oil and residue from grease trap cleaning is regulated
• Never dispose of FOG by pouring down the drain. Recycle FOG (Fat's, oils, and Grease) with a reputable vendor.