What device should restaurants have installed to control grease entering the sewer system?

Grease traps or grease interceptors are essential devices used in restaurants and food service establishments to control the amount of grease that enters the sewer system. These devices work by capturing and separating fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it can enter the municipal sewer. This is critical because FOG can cause clogs in sewer lines and contribute to larger problems in the wastewater treatment system, including blockages that lead to overflows and increased maintenance costs.

Grease traps operate on the principle of density differences, allowing grease to float to the top of the trap while the denser water flows out through the bottom. Regular maintenance and cleaning of these devices are necessary to ensure their effectiveness, making them a vital component in the management of wastewater in food establishments.

Other devices listed serve different purposes: sump pumps are generally used to pump out water from basements or low areas, catch basins are used to collect debris and prevent it from entering drainage systems, and oil water separators are designed primarily for separating oil from water, particularly in industrial contexts. None of these options effectively address the specific issue of grease management in restaurants, making grease traps or grease interceptors the correct choice for controlling grease entering the sewer system.