Most videos online make grease interceptor install look simple. As a matter of fact, they actually are, if you know what basic to closely look at while installing one of these things
I am going to talk about Endura Grease interceptor (20-50 GPM) as they have the same method of installation. I am going to talk about real feild problems and plumbers come across
Step 1 – Choosing the correct GPM size :-
In a commercial setting, You are provided with engineers drawing, just go to the plumbing drainage plan.
Sample photo of drawing showing GPM size.
Second 2 – Locating the grease interceptor properly :-
Most common feild mistake is choosing the wrong location. You dont want sink legs, random fixtures or tables on top of the grease interctor. You need atleast 6″ minimum space overhead for future cleaning.
To determine the location :-
You will need to get the exact specs for 3 compartment sink because it is the fixture with most space underneath.
find the exact center of the sink, thats your center for the grease interceptor as well.
Now, whats the ideal distance from the wall? answer is as close as possible, because you want it to be tucked in nicely, but from my own experince, i will say leave 4″ from the rough in wall. You will get surprised how close it will get after drywall and tiles.
Good example of flush installation
Poor position causing access issues
Step 3 – HEIGHT :-
This is where most people mess up. What you need to do is, gather the information, what goes on the floor? Tiles, Epoxy or sometime they just polish the concete.
Here is a bad example of how it was installed, off level and about 3/4 higher than the floor.
If its tiles, go 5/8″ higher than concrete, if its epoxy 1/4″, and if concrete polish, flush with concrete level . Make sure to remove the top cover while levelling it out
Common installtion mistake :-
- Not accounting for finished floor height
- Installing too close to sink legs or other fixtures
- No future cleaning clearance
- Ignoring tile thickness
- off level
Every grease intercepter install looks easy on drawings. Real site conditions are what decide whether the install goes smoothly or becomes a headache later. Ceiling height, invert elevations,tile thickness, and future access should always be considered before rough in starts.
This is based on my real field experience. Always confirm sizing/code with local requirements before installing.