Grease Trap Maintenance
Grease Trap Maintenance | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Blountville
Grease buildup is more than a messy inconvenience—it’s a code violation waiting to happen. HEP’s local team in Blountville handles every facet of grease trap maintenance, from scheduled pump-outs and line jetting to detailed inspections that keep you compliant with state, county, and health-department regulations. Our technicians arrive when promised, work around your kitchen’s peak hours, and leave the workspace cleaner than they found it, so you can stay focused on customers instead of clogs.
Because grease traps never pick a convenient time to overflow, we back our service with 24/7 emergency response, transparent flat-rate pricing, and the deep resources of a full-service commercial plumbing company. One call to HEP means reliable documentation for inspectors, fewer surprise shutdowns, and the peace of mind that comes from partnering with the Tri-Cities’ most trusted name in plumbing and HVAC. Schedule your grease trap maintenance today and keep your business cooking without interruption.
FAQs
Why is regular grease trap maintenance important for my Blountville commercial kitchen?
A grease trap’s job is to intercept fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they reach the municipal sewer. When it’s not pumped and cleaned on a consistent schedule, FOG solidifies, clogs lines, produces foul odors, and can force wastewater to back up into your sinks or floors. In Blountville and Sullivan County, food-service establishments are also subject to local wastewater ordinances; failing to keep your trap functional can lead to citations, fines, or even temporary closure. Regular maintenance protects your plumbing, keeps you compliant, and helps avoid emergency service calls that disrupt your business.
How often should my grease trap be cleaned or serviced?
Most commercial kitchens in Blountville follow the 25 % rule—when grease and solids occupy 25 % of the trap’s total liquid depth, it must be cleaned. For many restaurants, that translates to every 30–90 days. High-volume or 24-hour operations may need monthly service, while smaller cafés might stretch to quarterly. Our technicians measure FOG levels at each visit and recommend a customized schedule so you stay compliant without paying for unnecessary pump-outs.
What are the signs that my grease trap is due for maintenance or has a problem?
Common red flags include slow-draining sinks, gurgling sounds, or water backing up when dishwashers or disposals run. You might also notice persistent kitchen odors that don’t go away after normal cleaning, or see grease slicks forming in floor drains. Externally, a full trap can cause manholes or clean-outs to overflow. If any of these symptoms appear—or if it’s been more than three months since your last service—schedule an inspection right away.
What does your grease trap maintenance service include?
Our Blountville commercial plumbing team provides a turnkey solution: 1) Pump-out—We remove all liquids and solids with vacuum equipment sized for both indoor under-sink traps and large outdoor interceptors. 2) Scrape & pressure-wash—Technicians scrape internal baffles and walls to eliminate hardened grease, then rinse with low-pressure hot water so nothing is left to re-congeal. 3) Line jetting—If needed, we hydro-jet the inlet and outlet lines to ensure free flow to the sewer. 4) Visual inspection—We check baffles, gaskets, and lids for damage or corrosion and report any repairs. 5) Documentation—A manifest and maintenance log are provided for regulatory proof and warranty purposes. 6) Eco-friendly disposal—Collected FOG is transported to a licensed facility for recycling or proper handling.
Are there local Blountville or Tennessee regulations regarding grease trap maintenance I need to follow?
Yes. The Sullivan County Regional Wastewater Department and the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) require food-service facilities to install and maintain grease interceptors. Grease haulers must supply a manifest, and businesses must retain cleaning records for a minimum of three years. Inspectors can ask for logs at any time. Failure to comply may result in surcharges on your utility bill, civil penalties, or suspension of sewer service. Our company keeps your maintenance records digitally and can submit reports directly to local authorities upon request, ensuring you remain in full compliance.
How can I reduce grease build-up and lengthen the time between professional cleanings?
Implementing best-practice kitchen habits helps. 1) Dry-wipe plates, pots, and pans with paper towels before rinsing. 2) Install sink strainers to catch food scraps. 3) Train staff to avoid pouring fryer oil down drains—recycle it instead. 4) Use water temperatures below 140 °F when pre-rinsing; hotter water emulsifies grease, allowing it to bypass the trap and harden downstream. 5) Keep an updated FOG log so employees know the proper disposal procedures. These steps won’t replace professional pump-outs, but they slow the accumulation rate, reduce odors, and lower your overall maintenance costs.