Plumbing Full course part 26

In this part of Full Plumbing Course, we will learn about Oil interceptors.

What does oil interceptor do?

It keeps water from getting into the pipes carrying sewage or wastewater. If left alone, many solids could clog the pipes causing problems and possible flooding. Oil interceptors prevent this from happening by keeping solids out of the pipes.

An oil interceptor is basically a cap that sits over the end of a faucet spout. These caps prevent oils and water from mixing together. When they do mix, grease builds up over time inside the pipe, causing problems such as clogs in the pipes and slow flowing water. Grease can build up in the system for many different reasons. Sometimes people don’t wash their hands after using the bathroom (which causes oils to stick to the outside of the sink), while others use soap that contains detergents, which leave residue on the outside of the sink. Another reason could be the use of dishwasher soap. Dishwashers have been known to cause buildup of grease in sinks, even if the soap dispenser doesn't use any detergent at all.

An oil interceptor is a device designed to prevent oils from entering the drain system. These are best used for preventing oils coming out of commercial fryers and deep-frying equipment.

Why is having an oil interceptor important?

Having an oil interceptor prevents the mixing of oil and water. If the two do get mixed, the result is a puddle of greasy water that eventually drips down the drain. Over time, this grease gets stuck in the sewer line. When this happens, it can cause major damage to the sewer system which can cost thousands of dollars to fix!

How do I install an oil interceptor?

The easiest way to install a new oil interceptor is to replace the old one. All you need to do is remove the old one, clean off the threads, and then slide in the new one. Once that's done, just tighten the screws until secure and you're finished!

These devices are installed before filling the sink, tub, or tank with boiling hot water. They have a long tube that extends below the rim of the basin, stopping just short of the drain hole. The trap sits on top of the overflow plug, and is connected via flexible tubing to the sink's faucet. Once filled, the trap will slowly fill with water, causing it to rise. The rising water will flow over the trap and back into the basin, carrying away any unsightly mess. This means no nasty odors wafting from the kitchen! You know what we mean...

How long should I wait before replacing my old oil interceptor?

It depends on how often you use your sink and whether or not you have children around. You'll want to give your new oil interceptor plenty of time to settle in before making sure it works properly. Typically, it takes about 30 days for the new oil interceptor to fully mature and begin working the best it can. However, we recommend giving your new oil interceptor a full month or longer to ensure it performs well.

Is there anything else I should know?

Yes! Make sure to buy the right size oil interceptor for your sink. If you're unsure of what size fits your sink, take a look at your kitchen cabinet doors. They're a good indication of the size. Also, make sure to put the new oil interceptor in the same orientation as the existing one. This ensures that both work effectively together.

Why do I need to use an oil interceptor?

The primary purpose of using an oil interceptor is to help avoid clogs in the drain line. Because these types of devices are small, they won't block the entire drain pipe; instead, they only cover about 1/3rd of its diameter. When debris falls down the drain line, it settles at the bottom. As it does so, it gathers grease, fat, and any remaining food particles. This causes build-up of solids at the base of the drain pipe, where the water drains through. Without proper drainage, this buildup may cause the pipes to rust and eventually burst.

When will I need to replace my oil interceptor?

If your interceptor begins leaking or if you notice black residue around the faucet, then it is time to consider replacing it. Oil interceptors don't last forever, especially when they're constantly being exposed to the elements. If the weather is cold in winter, and hot in summer, you'll want to make sure that your oil interceptor stays protected from the elements. An oil interceptor should be replaced once every three years.

Should I use an oil interceptor when washing dishes?

You should never use an oil interceptor for dishwashers or washing machines. In fact, you shouldn't even place them near a washing machine unless you have an extra faucet. Dishwasher detergents contain enzymes that destroy oils, so you would risk damaging your interceptor if you put it close to a dishwasher. And while washing dishes with soap is fine, you should never wash dishes without using soap (even though we know some people wouldn't dream of it). Soap contains lye, which will damage your interceptor. Lye is caustic, meaning it can burn skin, eyes, and clothing. Even worse than soap, however, is bleach, which contains chlorine gas! Just think of the damage that could occur if your interceptor was damaged by bleaching agents.

Should I keep my oil interceptor clean?

Of course! Cleaning your interceptor regularly is very important. Every day or two, rinse off any greasy residue with warm water. If possible, you should soak it in a 10% bleach solution for a few minutes. When washing dishes, you should always turn off the water first, and dispose of the dirty water afterward. This helps prevent hard water deposits or scouring products from forming on the inside surface of your interceptor. If your interceptor gets scratched, cracked, or otherwise damaged, you should contact a professional plumber right away.

An oil interceptor is a device installed in your sink drain to prevent drains from clogging. An OI works by diverting oils and fats down the drainpipe instead of letting them back up inside the bowl. Once installed, the OI prevents food particles from blocking your pipes and keeps the trap empty. When properly installed, a typical OI should last anywhere from 5-15 years.

An oil interceptor is a plumbing fixture that prevents liquid petroleum from flowing down the sink drain. It consists of two major parts - a trap and a strainer. A trap is an area where liquid petroleum collects before entering the drainage system. The strainer is the filter that separates solid particles from liquid petroleum. When there is not enough room in the trap and/or the outlet is clogged, the liquid petroleum will flow out of the trap and into the sink drain instead of being sent out of the house. An oil interceptor can prevent this from happening.

Installation

A typical installation involves replacing a standard fixture like a toilet bowl with an oil interceptor. After removing the old fixture, install one of the following methods for the new fixture:

a) Install the trap and strainer assembly first, then attach the flange to the top edge of the basin. Attach the overflow pipe to the bottom edge of the basin.

b) Remove the toilet tank, flush the toilet, remove the tank cap, and attach the trap and strainer to the tank. Attach the overflow to the bottom edge of tank.

c) Attach the trap and strainer directly to the overflow tube.

d) Attach the trap only, then use a flexible coupling to connect the trap to the overflow tube. Do not use a union. A union does not allow water to bypass the trap.

e) Attach the trap to the overflow and place a ring around the overflow and trap. Use caulking to seal the connection between the base of the trap and the ring.

f) Use a flapper valve to direct water away from the trap and into the overflow tube.

g) Drill holes in the sides of a small bucket and attach them to the trap's base using a hose clamp. Use a hose clamp to secure the bucket to the side of the tub. Fill the bucket with sand and gravel. Use a rubber band or string to secure the bucket to keep the contents in place.

Maintenance

Oil interceptors should be cleaned regularly to avoid the build-up of sediment, which can block drain openings and cause the trap to malfunction. Cleaning usually entails removing the trap and strainer from the fixture and running hot water through the trap and strainer. Rinse thoroughly and let dry. If the trap contains any dried food residue, wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Check the strainer for debris and replace if necessary. Always follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning.