Grease-management Solutions
Grease-management Solutions | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Bristol
Bristol’s bustling restaurants, cafés, breweries and food-production sites rely on HEP to keep every sink, drain and interceptor flowing freely. Our engineers design, install and maintain advanced grease-management systems that stop fats, oils and grease from clogging pipes or causing expensive downtime, all while helping you meet strict environmental standards. From compact internal grease traps to fully automated external separators, we tailor each solution to the space, the volume of waste produced and the unique demands of your operation.
Backed by decades of commercial plumbing expertise, HEP offers rapid call-outs, scheduled servicing and real-time monitoring that can spot a problem before it becomes one. Whether you’re fitting out a new kitchen in Clifton or upgrading a production line in Avonmouth, we’ll integrate odour control, flow optimisation and compliance paperwork into a single, hassle-free package—leaving you to focus on great food and happy customers.
FAQs
Why is effective grease management crucial for commercial kitchens in Bristol?
Fats, oils and grease (FOG) solidify as they cool, sticking to the inside of pipes and public sewers. In busy Bristol food-service premises this rapidly leads to blockages, unpleasant odours, service downtime and potentially expensive emergency call-outs. Local water authorities can also issue fines or recharge costs for clearing FOG-related blockages that originate from your premises. An engineered grease-management programme prevents these problems, keeps you compliant with Building Regulations Part H and Water Industry Act 1991, and protects Bristol’s sewer network and environment.
What grease-management solutions do you supply and install?
We offer a full range to suit every site size and budget: • Passive (gravity) grease traps – stainless-steel or HDPE units sized to BS EN 1825 for under-sink or below-ground installation. • Automatic Grease Removal Units (AGRUs) – continuous skimming of grease into an external collection container for high-volume kitchens. • Biological dosing systems – enzyme-based dosing to break down residual FOG in long pipe runs. • Above- and below-ground interceptors for large food-production facilities. • Bespoke fabrication, monitoring sensors and remote alert technology. All equipment is supplied, fitted and commissioned by certified commercial plumbers, ensuring minimal disruption to your operation.
How often should my grease trap or AGRU be serviced and cleaned?
Frequency depends on kitchen throughput, menu type and the unit’s capacity, but as a rule of thumb: • Passive grease traps: every 4–6 weeks for most restaurants, more frequently for fast-food or high-volume sites. • AGRUs: weekly skim container emptying by kitchen staff plus quarterly professional service. • Below-ground interceptors: pump-out every 3–6 months. We offer free site surveys and will calculate the optimum schedule based on BS EN 1825 sizing tables and the Bristol Water discharge consent limits. Scheduled maintenance contracts include waste removal, legal documentation and performance reporting.
Are your services compliant with UK and local Bristol regulations?
Yes. All installations are designed to meet: • Building Regulations Part H (Drainage and Waste Disposal) • BS EN 1825 parts 1 & 2 (grease separator design & sizing) • Water Industry Act 1991 and the Sewerage Undertakers’ Trade Effluent Consents • Bristol City Council Environmental Health guidelines for food businesses Our engineers hold City & Guilds plumbing qualifications and are SafeContractor and CHAS accredited. Waste FOG is transported by licensed carriers and disposed of at authorised recycling facilities; duty-of-care paperwork is supplied after every visit.
What warning signs indicate my grease trap or drainage system needs urgent attention?
• Slow-draining sinks or floor gullies • Persistent foul odours around the pot-wash or outside manholes • Grease visible on the surface of interceptor chambers • Gurgling noises or back-ups during peak service • Increased visits from pests such as drain flies or cockroaches If you notice any of these, call our 24/7 emergency team. We carry jetting and vacuum equipment on our vans and can usually restore full flow the same day, then recommend longer-term preventive measures.
How much do grease-management services cost and do you offer maintenance contracts?
Indicative prices (exclusive of VAT): • Under-sink grease trap supply & install: from £450 • AGRU supply & install: from £1,150 • Quarterly service package: from £35 per visit for small traps; bespoke rates for multi-site groups • One-off pump-out/jetting: from £180, dependent on volumes and access Most clients opt for a fixed-price maintenance contract that spreads costs over 12 months, guarantees priority call-outs and includes compliance documentation. After a free site assessment we’ll provide a no-obligation quotation tailored to your kitchen’s needs and trading hours.