Grease Traps
Grease Traps | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Deer Lodge
When Deer Lodge restaurants, cafés, and industrial kitchens need their grease traps cleaned, repaired, or replaced fast, they turn to HEP—the local team that understands how a single clog can shut down an entire day’s sales. Our certified technicians arrive with vacuum rigs, hydro-jetters, and camera-inspection gear, pumping out built-up fats and oils, flushing lines spotless, and documenting every step for health-department compliance. From scheduled maintenance to emergency overflows at 2 a.m., we keep your back-of-house running, smells down, and inspectors satisfied.
Because grease traps are only one link in a bigger chain, we integrate the work into your broader commercial plumbing system—checking floor drains, pressure settings, and wastewater routing in one efficient visit. The result is fewer callouts, lower utility bills, and peace of mind that your business can focus on sizzling steaks instead of standing water. Ready to clear the line between chaos and consistency? Call HEP today and experience Deer Lodge’s most dependable solution for grease-trap and commercial plumbing needs.
FAQs
Why do commercial kitchens in Deer Lodge need a grease trap?
City and county codes require any facility that cooks, prepares, or serves food to keep fats, oils, and grease (FOG) out of the municipal sewer system. A properly sized grease trap captures FOG before it solidifies in drain lines, preventing backups, costly fines, and environmental damage. In Deer Lodge’s colder climate, grease solidifies even faster, so trapping it at the source is essential to keep your business compliant and operating smoothly.
How often should I schedule grease trap pumping and cleaning?
Most Deer Lodge restaurants and institutions arrange professional service every 30–90 days, but the exact frequency depends on trap size, menu type, meal volume, and local code requirements. Industry best practice—and Powell County inspectors—recommend cleaning whenever FOG reaches 25 % of the trap’s liquid depth. We offer free on-site assessments to calculate the ideal schedule and provide reminders so you never miss a service window.
What are the warning signs that my grease trap is clogged or failing?
Common red flags include slow-draining sinks or floor drains, gurgling noises, foul odors near the prep area, and grease escaping into downstream clean-outs. You may also notice water or grease pooling around the trap lid. Addressing these symptoms quickly can prevent sewage backups that shut down your kitchen and lead to expensive emergency repairs and sanitation violations.
Are there local Deer Lodge regulations governing grease trap maintenance?
Yes. Powell County Public Works follows the International Plumbing Code and the Montana DEQ guidelines, which mandate regular grease trap maintenance logs, proper disposal manifests, and minimum sizing based on fixture counts. Inspectors can require documentation during routine health inspections. Failure to maintain records or a functioning trap can result in citations or revocation of your food service license.
Can your plumbing company install, repair, and maintain all sizes of commercial grease traps?
Absolutely. We install under-sink interceptors for small cafés, large in-ground gravity grease interceptors up to 5,000 gallons for institutional cafeterias, and everything in between. Our Deer Lodge-based technicians are licensed, bonded, and equipped with hydro-jetters, vacuum trucks, and CCTV cameras for diagnostics, repairs, retrofits, and scheduled maintenance. We also handle permitting and coordinate inspections to streamline the process for you.
What steps can my staff take to keep our grease trap running efficiently between services?
Train employees to scrape food waste into the trash, use sink strainers, and avoid pouring fryer oil down drains. Implement a “dry wipe” program—wiping pots and pans with paper towels before washing—to reduce FOG input by up to 35 %. Post clear signage near sinks, and store waste oil in labeled containers for recycling. These simple habits extend the time between pump-outs, lower operating costs, and help you stay compliant with Deer Lodge regulations.