Grease Trap in backyard

[Matthew...@aol.com]

We are in the process of buying a bungalow in Portage Park. During the inspection the inspector explained the grease trap in the backyard. At the time it didn't seem a big deal but it feels like it could be a danger to our young children and at the very lease a tripping hazard in the lawn.

Has anyone had any success in removing / filling in these old grease traps? Is it something I'd need city permission to do and the help of a plumber? I've not been able to find any info on the net

[sim...@gmail.com]

Grease traps are usually very close to the base of the house in the back yard and somewhat inconspicuous in these bungalows. It should have a sewer type cover which makes it pretty secure. I don't think you can remove it because it is connected to your inside plumbing.

Doing so, you wouldn't have anywhere for the grease and gunk to go therefore causing regular backups inside the house. I've had my bungalow for over 25 years and found that every couple years the grease trap need to be cleaned out to keep everything flowing smoothly. I would enlist the help of a plumber initially to find out how you can clean it yourself in the future.

By all means inqure if it can be removed and if so, let us know!

Good luck with your new bungalow.

[gina...@gmail.com]

We just bought a bungalow in Portage in January (first home ever!) and just yesterday had a chance to dig around in the backyard after some of the snow melted.  We were trying to locate the sprinkler system and, after brushing away just a bit of dirt and mulch chips, we found a lid marked 'sewer'.  I was trying to find info on how the system is set up and came across this forum.  So, while I can't answer Matthew's question, can anyone answer mine?  I thought the water and sewer pipes ran out front to the road.  What's being held in that tank in my yard?  If it's a grease trap would it be marked 'sewer'?  It's right by the base of our house.

Thanks for any help!

[iammu...@gmail.com]

My understanding is that the grease trap provides a necessary function (grease separates and gets collected here vs going with the waste/water our of your house into the street/main sewer. I I don't think you have to mess with this unless it gets clogged or filled. At our house our gutter downspouts still feed into this as well. Just keep the heavy lid on it and kids/pets should be safe. And if it ain't broke. Don't "fix" it. That's my two cents.