Grease-trap Service
Grease-trap Service | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Clinton
From bustling kitchens on Charles G. Seivers Boulevard to busy cafés near Market Street, Clinton’s food-service pros count on HEP to keep their operations flowing. Our licensed technicians arrive on schedule, pump and clean your grease trap, and inspect the entire system for hidden clogs or code issues—all with minimal downtime. We handle the mess so you can focus on sizzling steaks, crisp fries, and happy customers.
Backed by 20+ years of East Tennessee expertise, HEP combines high-pressure hydro-jetting, eco-friendly disposal, and 24/7 emergency response to protect your drains and the environment. Whether you need a one-time pump-out or a customized maintenance plan, we deliver the fast, transparent service that has made us a trusted name in commercial plumbing throughout Anderson County. Call today and experience grease-trap care done right—straightforward pricing, spotless results, and zero hassle.
FAQs
What does a commercial grease trap do, and why is it required for food-service businesses in Clinton?
A grease trap (also called a grease interceptor) sits in the drain line between kitchen fixtures and the sanitary sewer. Its job is to slow the flow of wastewater so fats, oils, and grease (FOG) can cool and float to the top while food solids sink to the bottom. This keeps FOG out of the municipal sewer system, preventing blockages, overflows, and expensive fines. The City of Clinton requires all restaurants, cafeterias, bakeries, grocery stores, and other food-service establishments to install and maintain an approved grease-removal device as part of the local FOG ordinance.
How often should my grease trap be pumped or cleaned?
Cleaning frequency depends on trap size, kitchen volume, and the type of food prepared, but the industry rule of thumb is the “25 % rule”: when the combined FOG and solids equal 25 % of the trap’s liquid capacity, it must be serviced. For most Clinton restaurants this translates to every 30–90 days. High-volume fry kitchens may need monthly service, while cafeterias or churches might get by with quarterly cleanings. We document every visit and can set up a customized maintenance schedule that meets city inspection requirements.
What regulations in Clinton govern grease-trap maintenance, and do you handle the paperwork?
The City of Clinton follows Chapter 100 of its municipal sewer use ordinance, which adopts the EPA’s FOG Best Management Practices. Businesses must: (1) install a correctly sized interceptor, (2) keep maintenance logs on-site for three years, and (3) show that the trap is kept below the 25 % capacity threshold. Our technicians measure, record, and photograph each service, then provide a manifest that satisfies city inspectors. We can also submit digital copies directly to the Clinton Public Works FOG coordinator on your behalf.
What warning signs tell me my grease trap or interceptor needs immediate attention?
• Slow-draining sinks and floor drains • Gurgling noises or sewer odors in the kitchen • Grease buildup on discharge lines or parking-lot clean-outs • Water backing up during dishwashing or mop-sink use • Grease caps or solids visible when you lift the interceptor lid Ignoring these signs can lead to sewer backups and surprise health-department closures, so call us as soon as you notice any of them.
Do you offer emergency or after-hours grease-trap service for commercial kitchens?
Yes. Food-service operations can’t afford downtime, so our licensed plumbers are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout Clinton and surrounding Clinton County. We arrive with a vacuum truck, hydro-jetting equipment, and replacement gaskets, so most clogs or overflows are resolved in a single visit—no extra charge for nights, weekends, or holidays.
How is pricing determined for grease-trap pumping, cleaning, or repair?
Our quotes are based on three factors: (1) liquid volume pumped (in gallons), (2) accessibility—above-ground traps cost less than in-ground units that require confined-space entry, and (3) any additional services such as hydro-jetting or baffle repairs. For routine maintenance we offer flat-rate packages that include pumping, interior scrape-down, inlet/outlet line jetting, and disposal fees, so you know the total cost upfront. Bulk discounts are available for multi-site owners and quarterly service contracts.