Kitchen Drainage Issues and the Measures to Take

Around half of commercial kitchen drainage issues are linked to preventable fat, oil and grease (FOG) build-up, driven largely by cooking oils and food waste being washed down sinks during busy service. While the direct cost of repairing blocked pipes is often under £1,000, the wider operational impact can be far greater, with reports of up to £10,000 lost in revenue due to a forced two-day closure.

With summer, bank holidays and the World Cup on the horizon, bars and restaurants are likely to see increasing demand. To ensure no disruption is caused, here at Alliance Online we have provided our five top tips on how to best cater to small-eats dining:

1. Maintain Grease Traps Regularly

Grease traps should be emptied and cleaned on a strict, consistent schedule to prevent buildup. Regular maintenance helps ensure all drain systems continue to operate effectively during busy service periods and reduces the risk of sudden blockages, which can cause service delays.

2. Improve Waste Oil Disposal Procedures

Cooking oils and fats should never be poured directly into sinks or drains. Instead, kitchens should use clearly designated, sealed containers for waste oil collection to prevent contamination of drainage systems.

3. Train Staff On FOG Awareness

All kitchen staff should be trained in proper fat, oil, and grease (FOG) handling procedures. Enforcing these practices across all shifts helps to reduce human error and ensure there is consistent compliance in fast-paced environments.

4. Monitor High-Risk Areas Daily

Sinks, fryers and dishwashing areas should be checked regularly for early signs of grease build-up, such as slow drainage, greasy residue around drains, or water struggling to drain. Identifying these issues early can prevent this from developing into full system blockages, which are a lot harder and more costly to fix

5. Implement Preventive Maintenance Routines

Regular drain checks and preventive maintenance should be part of the kitchen’s normal routine, rather than something only dealt with after a problem occurs. Keeping on top of maintenance helps prevent blockages, reduce downtime, and avoid disruption.”

Here at Alliance Online we understand that commercial kitchen hygiene and health and safety is of paramount importance which is why we have created this article to help you understand the measures that should be taken. Take a look at our full cleaning collection here where you will find more options to help ensure your commercial kitchen is of the highest standard.

For more information on Kitchen Drainage Issues and the Measures to Take talk to Alliance Online Catering Equipment