Grease Trap Installation | Woolloongabba QLD

When a family-owned brewery in Woolloongabba needed to replace its ageing grease trap, the existing unit had reached the end of its service life. Previously, the old tank had managed trade waste from the venue’s kitchen operations. However, it no longer met current trade waste guidelines and required a full replacement to restore compliance.

Therefore, Citi Industries took on the project to remove the old grease trap and install a new system. Because of the site’s access constraints, the project required careful coordination to maintain business operations throughout the works.

Project Overview

This grease trap replacement involved removing an existing below-ground unit and installing a new system on an operational hospitality site in Woolloongabba. Specifically, the scope covered:

Pump out and disconnection of the existing grease trap
Removal of the old tank in sections due to stairway access constraints
Demolition of the concrete plinth beneath the old unit
Installation of new grease trap on the existing concrete slab
Connection of trade waste and sewer drainage to the new unit
Installation of new inspection openings for future maintenance access
Fitting of suction line with camlock for liquid waste contractor connection
Installation of 15mm RPZ valve for grease trap washout tap
Council plumbing inspection and Form 9 lodgement

Additionally, the system required council inspection and trade waste compliance before it could go live. Meanwhile, the primary constraint involved working within a confined space with limited access via a stairway.

Challenges

Breweries and hospitality venues generate trade wastewater containing fats, oils, and food solids. In accordance with Queensland environmental protection requirements, this wastewater cannot discharge directly to sewer without pre-treatment. Instead, operators must install grease traps to capture contaminants before they enter the sewerage system.

However, this site presented several complications beyond a standard grease trap replacement. For instance, the existing tank sat on a concrete plinth in a below-ground location. Furthermore, the only access point was via a stairway. As a result, the team could not remove the old tank in one piece.

The key challenges included:

Old grease trap located below ground with stairway-only access
Existing tank too large to remove whole, requiring cutting into sections
Concrete plinth beneath old tank requiring jackhammering and removal
Active brewery operations that needed to continue during construction
New system requiring connection to existing vent and sewer drainage
Compliance with Urban Utilities trade waste requirements before the grease trap could operate

What Was Delivered

Citi Industries delivered a complete grease trap replacement that restored full trade waste compliance. The scope covered everything from removal of the old system through to final council inspection.

Grease Trap Removal and Disposal

First, the team arranged for a licensed liquid waste contractor to pump out the existing grease trap. After disconnection, workers cut the old tank into sections small enough to carry up the stairway. Subsequently, the team loaded and disposed of all waste materials at a local refuse centre during business hours.

Next, workers jackhammered and removed the concrete plinth beneath the old grease trap. This created a flat surface for the new installation. As a result, the existing slab below the plinth provided a stable base for the replacement unit.

New Grease Trap Installation

Then, Citi Industries installed the new grease trap on the existing concrete slab. The team connected trade waste and sewer drainage lines to the new unit. In addition, they tested all connections for leaks before proceeding.

Moreover, the new grease trap connects to the existing vent, meeting the standards set by the Australian Building Codes Board for ventilation of trade waste systems. Proper venting prevents the buildup of gases and maintains system performance.

Inspection Openings and Maintenance Access

Citi Industries also installed new inspection openings at each end of the trap. These IOs provide access for future maintenance and inspections. Consequently, licensed plumbers and liquid waste contractors can service the system without major disruption.

In addition, the team fitted a suction line with a new camlock connection. This allows liquid waste contractors to connect easily for future pump outs. However, because suction lines cannot connect to multi-tank systems, this was configured as a single connection point.

Backflow Prevention and Council Registration

Finally, the team installed a 15mm RPZ valve for the future grease trap washout tap. RPZ stands for Reduced Pressure Zone. This type of backflow prevention device stops contaminated water from flowing back into the mains water supply.

Furthermore, the team completed council registration as part of the installation. The Form 9 lodgement confirms the plumbing work meets all regulatory requirements. Because of this documentation, the brewery now has proof of compliance for future inspections.

Final Outcome

Ultimately, this project delivered a grease trap system that meets all trade waste compliance QLD requirements. Now, the brewery has modern infrastructure to capture, treat, and discharge kitchen wastewater legally. As a result, operations can continue without risk of environmental breaches or council enforcement action.

Full trade waste compliance with a new grease trap ready for Urban Utilities trade waste agreement
Improved maintenance access with new inspection openings at each end of the trap
Backflow prevention with RPZ valve installed and registered with council
Future-ready suction line with camlock fitting for easy pump out connections

Ready to Replace Your Commercial Grease Trap?

If your brewery, restaurant, or commercial kitchen needs grease trap replacement, Citi Industries can help. From grease trap removal to new installation and council approval, we handle trade waste compliance from start to finish.

Call Citi Industries on 1300 002 484 to discuss your project.