- HEP Plumbing
- Grease Interceptor

Grease Interceptor
Grease Interceptor | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Cumberland Gap
Running a busy kitchen in Cumberland Gap leaves no room for clogged lines or surprise shutdowns. HEP’s grease interceptor specialists keep fats, oils, and grease where they belong—out of your drains and in full compliance with state and local codes. From precise sizing and professional installation to routine pump-outs and emergency repairs, our technicians work around your schedule so service never gets in the way of service.
As a full-service commercial plumbing partner, we back every interceptor with camera inspections, hydro-jetting, and 24/7 response, all backed by transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee. Count on the team your neighboring restaurants, hotels, and campuses already trust, and keep the heart of your operation flowing smoothly day after day.
FAQs
Why does my Cumberland Gap food service business need a grease interceptor?
Local health and building codes require every commercial kitchen in Cumberland Gap to install a grease interceptor (also called a grease trap) to prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from solidifying in public sewer lines. A properly sized interceptor protects you from costly sewer backups, fines, and service interruptions, and it helps the town maintain its wastewater infrastructure.
How do I determine the correct size grease interceptor for my establishment?
Sizing is based on fixture flow rates, kitchen seating capacity, and the type of cuisine you prepare. We calculate peak water-flow in gallons per minute (GPM), apply Cumberland Gap code formulas, and include a safety factor to ensure efficient FOG separation during rush periods. Our licensed plumbers provide a free on-site assessment and stamped sizing report to satisfy the building inspector.
What is involved in a professional grease interceptor installation?
Installation starts with permitting and utility locates, followed by trenching and setting the interceptor (either indoor or buried outdoors). We connect inlet and outlet piping, install clean-out ports, and perform watertightness tests. Finally, we backfill, restore surfaces, and submit as-built drawings to the city. Most projects are completed in one business day to minimize kitchen downtime.
How often should a grease interceptor be pumped and cleaned?
Cumberland Gap ordinance follows the 25% rule: when the combined layer of FOG and solids reaches one-quarter of the interceptor’s liquid depth, it must be serviced. For most restaurants this is every 30–90 days. We offer scheduled maintenance plans with electronic service logs that satisfy health department inspectors and keep your system running efficiently.
What are the warning signs that my grease interceptor needs attention?
Slow floor drains, foul odors near sinks, gurgling sounds, and grease appearing in downstream clean-outs indicate that the interceptor is overloaded or failing. If you notice any of these signs, call us immediately for an inspection; prompt service prevents emergency shutdowns and expensive drain line jetting.
Do you offer emergency repairs and compliance assistance?
Yes. Our Cumberland Gap team is on call 24/7 for blockages, broken baffles, or overflow situations. We also handle compliance citations—providing documentation, retrofits, and staff training to help you pass follow-up inspections and avoid penalties.