What is a drainage interceptor?

A drain interceptor is a tank installed within pipework to collect and hold contaminants, allowing the remaining wastewater to be discharged safely into the main sewerage system.

Drainage interceptors are referred to by other names, including interceptor traps, interceptor tanks, and filter tanks.

They can also be called separators – because they separate contaminants from wastewater. However, the all perform much the same kind of tasks.

There are different designs for drainage interceptors, depending on the type and amounts of contaminants that need to be removed from wastewater before it is discharged.

It is important that drain interceptors are installed properly and well maintained to prevent pollution incidents that could damage the environment and result in heavy legal penalties for asset owners.

Drainage serving kitchens in commercial hot food premises should be fitted with a grease separator complying with BS EN 1825-1:2004 and designed in accordance with BS EN 1825-2:2002 or other effective means of grease removal. Grease Traps and Interceptors must be fitted by law to the following establishments
Restaurants
Hotels and guest houses
Pubs, bars and cafes
Commercial kitchens
Fast food restaurants and takeaways
Bakeries
Food processing
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Manufacturing operations
Industrial process applications

A grease trap (also known as grease interceptor, grease recovery device, grease capsule and grease converter) is a plumbing device (a type of trap) designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system. Common wastewater contains small amounts of oils which enter into septic tanks and treatment facilities to form a floating scum layer. This scum layer is very slowly digested and broken down by microorganisms in the anaerobic digestion process. Large amounts of oil from food preparation in restaurants can overwhelm a septic tank or treatment facility, causing the release of untreated sewage into the environment. High-viscosity fats and cooking grease such as lard solidify when cooled, and can combine with other disposed solids to block drain pipes.