Grease-trap Maintenance
Grease-trap Maintenance | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Collegedale
Local restaurants, cafeterias, and institutional kitchens in Collegedale trust HEP’s licensed specialists to keep their grease traps flowing freely and their operations in full compliance. Our team arrives on schedule, pumps and cleans the trap, inspects baffles and lines for buildup, and hauls grease away for eco-friendly disposal—all while you keep serving customers. We document every visit, so health-department inspections become stress-free instead of stomach-turning.
From 24/7 emergency backups to preventive maintenance programs tailored to your peak hours, HEP delivers the fast response and meticulous workmanship businesses expect from true commercial plumbing pros. One call ensures fewer shutdowns, lower repair costs, and a cleaner, safer kitchen for your staff and guests.
FAQs
How often should a commercial grease trap in Collegedale be cleaned and serviced?
For most restaurants and food-service businesses in Collegedale, the City of Collegedale follows the 25-percent rule: once fats, oils, grease, and solids fill 25 % of the trap’s capacity, it must be cleaned. In practice, this usually means every 30–90 days, depending on kitchen volume, menu type, and trap size. We assess each site during the first visit and recommend a custom schedule that keeps you compliant with local ordinances and avoids costly blockages.
What does your grease-trap maintenance service include?
Our full-service maintenance visit covers: (1) Pump-out and removal of all grease and solids; (2) High-pressure water jetting of inlet and outlet lines to prevent downstream clogs; (3) Scraping and deodorizing the trap interior; (4) Visual inspection of baffles, gaskets, and lids for damage; (5) Measurement and documentation of waste levels for municipal reporting; and (6) Proper disposal and manifesting of waste at an approved facility, ensuring EPA and Tennessee environmental compliance.
Are there specific regulations in Tennessee or Collegedale I need to follow?
Yes. Collegedale’s Municipal Code adopts the EPA’s Pretreatment Standards and Chattanooga’s Regional Wastewater Treatment regulations. Businesses must keep maintenance records for three years, ensure traps are sized to city standards, and prevent discharge of more than 100 mg/L of fats, oils, and grease into the sewer. Failure to comply may lead to fines or service interruption. We provide all required service logs and can help you during city inspections.
How much does grease-trap pumping cost for commercial customers?
Pricing depends on trap capacity (typically 20–1,500 gallons), access (indoor vs. outdoor), frequency, and whether jetting is required. In Collegedale, most routine services range from $175 to $450 per visit for traps up to 1,000 gallons. We offer discounted rates for customers on a recurring schedule and provide free on-site estimates so you know exact costs before any work begins.
Can you respond to emergency grease-trap backups after hours?
Absolutely. We maintain a 24/7 emergency response team for Collegedale and the greater Hamilton County area. If your trap backs up, overflows, or causes kitchen drains to slow, call our emergency line. A licensed commercial plumber will arrive—often within one hour—to pump the trap, clear lines, and get your kitchen running, minimizing downtime and health-department violations.
What steps can my staff take between professional services to keep the grease trap working well?
Train kitchen staff to scrape food debris into trash before washing, use sink-mounted strainers, and avoid pouring hot oil or chemicals down drains. Post "No Grease" signage at sink areas. Keep a simple log of daily visual checks of grease depth through the trap’s inspection port. These practices reduce the load on the trap, extend the interval between pump-outs, and lower your overall maintenance costs.