What is the primary function of a grease trap in plumbing systems?

A grease trap is specifically designed to capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that result from food preparation and other activities in kitchens and food service establishments. Its primary function is to prevent these substances from entering the wastewater systems, where they can solidify and cause blockages or other plumbing issues. By allowing wastewater to flow through while trapping the lighter, less dense grease and oils, the grease trap plays a crucial role in maintaining a plumbing system's efficiency and preventing environmental contamination.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary function of a grease trap. Filtering out sediments pertains to different systems that deal with solids rather than FOG. Reducing flow rate isn't a primary purpose of a grease trap; instead, it is designed to manage the effects of particular waste components while still allowing flow. Regulating water temperature is unrelated to the function of a grease trap, as its focus is solely on intercepting grease before it can cause harm to the plumbing infrastructure.