What is the role of a grease trap in wastewater systems?

A grease trap is specifically designed to capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it enters the sewer system. This is crucial because when FOG is not adequately removed, it can lead to blockages in pipes, contribute to sewer overflows, and create problems at sewage treatment facilities. By intercepting these substances, a grease trap plays an essential role in maintaining the efficiency of wastewater systems and preventing costly problems related to clogs and environmental contamination.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of a grease trap. Enhancing the smell of the sewer system is not a role played by a grease trap; in fact, grease traps help mitigate unpleasant odors by reducing the amount of grease that can breakdown and create odors in wastewater systems. Maintaining water pressure is unrelated to the role of a grease trap, as pressure management is achieved through other means in wastewater systems. Lastly, while grease traps remove fats, they are not primarily designed to filter out general solid waste, which is typically managed separately through different treatment processes in wastewater facilities.