Why Interceptor Maintenance is Essential

Drainage interceptors – often known as oil separators, grease traps, or silt traps – play a vital role in protecting the environment. They capture oils, grease, fuel residues, and other contaminants before they can pollute watercourses or enter the sewer system.

In 2025, UK regulators and water companies are placing greater scrutiny on interceptor performance and maintenance records. For businesses, this means that regular inspection and servicing are no longer optional but an essential compliance requirement.

Without a robust maintenance plan, businesses face:

• The risk of pollution incidents and costly clean-ups.
• Potential fines or enforcement action for failing to meet discharge consent conditions.
• Insurance complications if a pollution event occurs without maintenance records.
• Higher operational costs due to unplanned downtime or emergency call-outs.

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Interceptor Maintenance Standards in the UK

The recognised framework for interceptor maintenance is BS EN 858-2, which provides guidance on how often interceptors should be inspected, emptied, and maintained. In practice, this includes:

• Routine inspections: Checking oil and sludge levels, alarms, and general condition.
• Scheduled emptying and cleaning: For most sites, every three months is recommended, but frequency depends on site usage and risk level.
• Record keeping: Maintaining logbooks or digital service records to prove compliance.

In addition to BS EN 858-2, businesses may also be bound by:

• Environment Agency guidelines on pollution prevention.
• Local authority requirements for food and drink operators.
• Water company discharge consents that demand evidence of maintenance.
• Insurer obligations, as many policies require proof of servicing to validate environmental cover.

Key takeaway: If you operate a site with interceptors, you must be able to demonstrate that maintenance is carried out at suitable intervals and in line with standards.

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Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) Explained

Planned Preventative Maintenance, often shortened to PPM, is a structured approach to servicing and inspections. Instead of waiting for a fault or blockage, PPM schedules are agreed in advance to keep systems running effectively.

A good PPM programme for interceptors typically includes:

• Scheduled emptying and cleaning: Quarterly, bi-annual, or tailored to site activity.
• Visual inspections: Assessing build-up of oils, fats, and sludge.
• Monitoring alarms and sensors: Ensuring warning systems are functional.
• Detailed reporting: Certificates or digital records for compliance purposes.
• Emergency back-up: Having reactive support available if unexpected issues arise.

This proactive approach helps avoid the significant costs of environmental damage, emergency tankering, or production downtime caused by blockages.

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Benefits of PPM for Interceptor Management

For many businesses, the value of a Planned Preventative Maintenance contract becomes clear when comparing the risks and costs of reactive servicing.

1. Regulatory Compliance

• Meets BS EN 858-2 requirements.
• Provides evidence for regulators, water companies, and insurers.
• Reduces the risk of fines or prosecutions.

2. Reduced Environmental Risk

• Prevents oil, grease, and silt discharges into watercourses.
• Lowers the likelihood of flooding or blocked drains.
• Protects your reputation with stakeholders and customers.

3. Cost Savings

• Predictable maintenance costs compared with expensive emergency call-outs.
• Extends the life of your interceptor system.
• Avoids lost revenue from unplanned shutdowns.

4. Sustainability and ESG Reporting

• Demonstrates a commitment to pollution prevention.
• Supports ISO 14001 certification and environmental audits.
• Helps businesses meet broader ESG targets.

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Best Practice for Interceptor Servicing

When designing a maintenance programme, consider the following best practices:

1. Risk-based frequency – Busy food production facilities may need more frequent emptying than low-risk sites.
2. Detailed reporting – Always request service sheets or digital logs for compliance records.
3. Qualified providers – Use contractors with the right equipment, such as vacuum tankers and mobile treatment systems.
4. Integrated support – Choose providers who can handle both routine servicing and emergency response.
5. Tailored contracts – Flexible PPM agreements ensure you only pay for the level of service your site requires.

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Trade Effluent Services Approach

At Trade Effluent Services (TES), we provide nationwide interceptor maintenance and PPM programmes tailored to your site’s needs. Our service includes:

• Regular emptying and cleaning using a modern tanker fleet.
• Digital compliance reporting, giving you clear evidence for regulators and insurers.
• Flexible PPM schedules, from quarterly visits to fully customised service plans.
• Emergency back-up support, ensuring rapid response when required.

With our combination of technical expertise and reliable logistics, we help clients reduce risk, cut costs, and stay fully compliant.

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Final Thoughts

Interceptor maintenance is no longer something businesses can afford to overlook. With stricter regulatory standards and increasing focus on environmental protection, adopting a Planned Preventative Maintenance programme is the most effective way to protect your site, your reputation, and the wider environment.

By following recognised standards such as BS EN 858-2 and working with an experienced service partner, businesses can avoid costly emergencies, remain compliant, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.