The sewage system will last much longer if the drain is cleaned of various kinds of oil impurities. Often the cause of congestion in the pipes is precisely fat. Because of it, over time, the corrosion resistance of the metal decreases significantly, which sooner or later threatens a breakthrough in the pipeline. For this reason, it is advisable to install a household grease trap in order to avoid further unpleasant consequences.
Due to the fact that fat does not dissolve in water, it accumulates with its sticky mass on any part of the pipe. Over time, the cork grows, closing the gap. In addition, an unpleasant odor arises as a result of rotting processes. The grease trap, which is essentially a filter, will help combat this nuisance. In addition to the finished products that can be found in stores, a straightforward device is quite realistic to make on your own at home.
Necessity
As already clear, the accumulated fat in the sewer creates serious problems. And now it’s worth considering how much it can accumulate in an average cafe? In any case, special filters have long been used in the kitchens of such establishments, so why don’t we, ordinary consumers, think about this problem? Better yet, be puzzled by the question of how to make a household grease trap yourself.
In the absence of such measures, sewer pipes would have to be cleaned almost every week, if not more often. And what can be said about the entire sewage system of the district, if at the same time all catering facilities will not equip their sinks with primary filters?
For this reason, the sanitary service has even such a requirement - the mandatory installation of such equipment in all institutions whose activities are related to food. Also included here are those enterprises that specialize in the processing of oils, fats and other insoluble particles.
And for any bona fide hostess, the kitchen is its own mini-cafe. Therefore, if you do not want to often use tools for cleaning sewer pipes ("Mole", plunger, etc.), you should take care to install good filters under the sink. If they are large for public institutions, then household grease catchers will come down for the ordinary consumer.
Filter device
What are such necessary filters made of? Typically, residential grease traps consist of the following main components:
- Rectangular camera. It is divided by a partition, forming two vertical compartments.
- Inlet pipe. It is through it that water from the sink enters the filter.
- Sedimentation tank. Fat accumulates here.
- Ventilation element.
Some factory models are equipped with a pump for forced pumping of liquid into the sewer. Only these appliances need a power outlet. In addition, a variety of active biological products are used to break down fat, and at the same time increase the efficiency and productivity of filters. They simply fall asleep inside the treatment equipment.
As you can already see, making a household grease trap under a do-it-yourself sink is not so difficult, for which it’s worth following the simple instructions that are presented in this article. But first, it’s worth getting acquainted with the principle of operation of such devices.
Operating principle
The operation of the device is based on the principle of separation (separation) of fats from water. This becomes possible due to the weight difference - fat is lighter than water. Thanks to this, he calmly floats to its surface. Thus, he falls into the trap and stays there. According to this principle, all filters work without exception, and regardless of the purpose: for a cafe or simple life.
How does the grease trap function? Water that flows from the sink, through the inlet pipe enters the first chamber. Here, filling with dirty water takes place, which undergoes partial cleaning. Fat accumulates on the surface. Due to the partition, the camera is 2/3 of the entire size of the box. Through it, the water, which got rid of fat, enters another compartment. The purified liquid then flows along the bottom of the household grease trap under the sink to the outlet pipe, and then enters the sewer.
The volume of the filter, of course, is not infinite, and therefore it is necessary to disconnect the device from the sewer every two weeks and carry out cleaning of accumulated fat. If a large amount of dirt gets into the drain pipes, then cleaning should be carried out more often.
Filter Classification
As for the varieties, the devices are divided into different types depending on a number of criteria. The general classification is as follows:
1. Based on the material of use:
- plastic;
- fiberglass;
- stainless steel;
- polypropylene;
- food grade plastic.
2. According to the installation method:
- under the sink;
- for basements;
- for specially designated rooms.
3. Based on the manufacturer:
- Alta Suitable for small sewer pipes , and the cost on the Russian market is one of the best.
- Flotenk . This household grease trap can be installed not only indoors but also outside. Due to their reliability, such devices are popular among owners of small cafes and restaurants.
- Labko . They are very popular among catering professionals.
- Evo Stok. Models in which the separator is made of reinforced plastic and polypropylene. Relevant for domestic use.
- Helyx . Filters are designed primarily for industrial enterprises.
- "5th element". In addition to ordinary consumers, these filters are ideal for industrial facilities.
The cost of these models is about the same. The same can be said about the principle of action.
Filter Benefits
It is worth saying a few words about the advantages of the described devices.
By installing a household grease trap under the do-it-yourself sink, you can feel for yourself all the charms of a good life:
- There will no longer be an unpleasant odor that is released during the breakdown of fat.
- Tight design. That is, the filter will not pull water back from the sewer.
- The operation of the filter is simple, as well as its installation.
- An acceptable pricing policy.
- Some models of household filters can be made according to individual wishes.
In addition to all of the above, it is possible to install any additional means (for example, equipping with sensors for the accumulation of harmful substances).
Performance calculation
The efficiency of the simplest device is 25%, but you can make the device no worse. After all, according to reviews, the best household individual grease trap for each consumer will be the one that is made with his own hand.
But before you start the production of a homemade fat trap from the sink, you need to carry out a number of calculations. In order for the separator to cope effectively with its work, it is necessary to determine the degree of load or performance.
For industrial equipment, complex formulas are used that take into account various factors. For domestic needs, there is no need for these difficulties, and therefore, you can use the formula P = n * Ps, where:
- P - performance;
- n is the number of serviced sinks;
- Ps - the speed of the water pressure from the tap.
The parameter Ps is easy to determine. To do this, take a can with a capacity of 1 liter, put it under a tap and open it with a pressure that is usually used (although for safety reasons it is better to increase it a little), and note the time.
Let it be 1 minute, then the value must be converted to the form l / s. Usually it is 0.1 l / s.
We calculate the volume of the tank
To make an effective household grease trap for sewers with your own hands, you need to correctly calculate the volume of the main tank. Accordingly, for this we use another formula -V = 60 * P * t, where:
- V is the volume of equipment;
- P - performance;
- t is the sedimentation rate of fat deposits (this value is 6 minutes).
By a simple calculation, you can determine the dimensions of the future home-made model. However, the obtained parameters represent only a minimum, a kind of starting point. Therefore, it is worth making the box a little large, which will increase the margin of safety.
Preparatory stage
After all the calculations are completed, it is worth depicting the future model in the drawing. It should be noted on the location of the inlet and outlet openings. It should be borne in mind that the axis of the inlet pipe should be located 3-5 cm above the center of the outlet pipe. And you need to position it close to the tank lid.
What do you need from tools?
Why buy a household grease trap for washing (in Yekaterinburg or other cities, it doesn’t matter), if it can easily be done independently? And for this you can not do without some tools and materials:
- jigsaw or saw;
- sandpaper;
- sanitary sealant;
- rubber sealing tape with adhesive backing.
It will take the details themselves. And first of all, it is worth taking care of buying the right box, which will be used as a reservoir.
Dimensions may be larger than estimated, which will only benefit. In addition to the capacity for collecting fat, you can not do without a knee with a tee with a diameter of 5 cm (2 pcs.) And a low nozzle (10 cm) to make a partition. A small length of 5 cm nozzle with a bell and rubber clamp will also be useful.
Process of creation
Now you can go directly to the manufacture of the filter. In the selected container, you need to make two holes on opposite sides where the nozzles will be inserted. Care must be taken to use a minimum of sealant. After that, the baffle in the vertical position is attached to the bottom of the household grease trap in the tank with a sealant. Wait a little while for the glue to dry.
A small five-centimeter section of the pipe is installed inside the partition pipe, while its narrow end should be 3-4 cm from the bottom of the tank. Next, this pipe must be connected to a tee, which, in turn, is attached to the outlet. The upper branch of the tee should be facing the lid of the tank - ventilation is ready.
Then it remains to install the inlet elbow and perform good sealing of the inlet / outlet of the tank. The edges of the cover should be glued with a sealant. And after the home-made equipment dries, it can be connected to the ventilation system.
Useful Tips
Some helpful tips can help you successfully assemble the machine:
For effectiveness, instead of glue, you can use a stronger fixing agent - epoxy and corners.
During the production of a domestic grease trap, it is allowed to place partitions with your own hands not strictly vertically, but also in a diagonal plane, using spacers (long bolts).
There is no need to center the inlet and outlet openings in the center of the tank. A slight shift to the side will save space under the sink.
Jigsaw is not always possible to make holes, while avoiding the appearance of cracks. Therefore, it can be replaced with a child wood burner.
As for ventilation, it can not be done due to the slow fermentation reaction that occurs in the filter.
It is worth noting that the filter will work effectively at a water temperature of no more than 40 ° C. If this is not enough for washing dishes and other needs, then the apparatus should be installed as far as possible from the sink so that the water has time to cool.
Conclusion
In the manufacture of a household grease trap for washing there is nothing complicated. In addition, this can not only save financial resources, but also use the sink without problems. Pipes will no longer be contaminated with hazardous fat deposits. The only thing you need is proper maintenance, which has already been mentioned.