Grease-trap Emergencies
Grease-trap Emergencies | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Delano
When a grease trap backs up during the dinner rush, Delano’s restaurants, cafeterias, and food-service facilities call HEP. Our technicians arrive fast, equipped with powerful jetting machines, vacuum pumps, and the know-how to restore flow before health inspectors or unhappy guests even realize there was a problem. From stubborn blockages to foul odors seeping through the kitchen, we diagnose the issue on the spot and keep you informed at every step, so your staff can stay focused on serving customers, not mopping sewage.
HEP’s grease-trap emergency team is trained in the latest commercial plumbing regulations, ensuring your system is cleaned, documented, and brought up to code in one visit. We operate 24/7, handle proper waste disposal, and offer preventive maintenance plans that slash downtime and costly fines. One call keeps your business compliant, your kitchen safe, and your profits flowing.
FAQs
What counts as a grease-trap emergency for a Delano commercial kitchen?
Any situation in which the grease interceptor is overflowing, backing wastewater into sinks or floor drains, emitting strong foul odors, or triggering a health-department or fire-marshal citation is considered an emergency. These problems can halt food service operations and expose your business to fines, so immediate professional attention is essential.
How quickly can your team reach my location in Delano after I report an emergency?
Our emergency dispatch center is staffed 24/7 and maintains on-call plumbing crews in and around Delano. In most cases we arrive within 60–90 minutes of your call. We use GPS-tracked service trucks stocked with vacuum pumps, hydro-jetters, and replacement gaskets to minimize travel and repair time.
What should my staff do while waiting for the plumber to arrive?
1) Stop running water to fixtures connected to the grease line. 2) Turn off dishwashers and dispose of food waste in sealed containers to limit additional grease entering the system. 3) Place wet-floor signs and absorbent pads around overflow areas to protect employees and customers. 4) Do not use chemical drain cleaners—they can damage the interceptor and violate city wastewater rules.
Are there specific regulations in Delano or Kern County that I need to follow during a grease-trap emergency?
Yes. The City of Delano follows Kern County Environmental Health ordinances that prohibit discharge of FOG-laden wastewater into the municipal sewer. If a spill reaches a public drain, you must report it within 24 hours and document the cleanup. Our technicians prepare the required incident reports and can liaise with inspectors on your behalf to help you stay compliant.
Will an emergency pump-out solve the problem, or could my grease trap need replacement?
A pump-out combined with hydro-jetting usually restores normal flow, but repeated blockages may indicate a damaged baffle, undersized unit, or corroded inlet/outlet piping. After the immediate crisis is resolved, we perform a camera inspection and capacity check. If replacement or upsizing is advisable, we provide a detailed estimate and scheduling options that minimize downtime for your business.
How can my business prevent future grease-trap emergencies?
• Schedule routine pumping and cleaning every 30–90 days, depending on kitchen volume. • Install sink-mounted strainers and wipe cookware with disposable towels before washing. • Train staff on proper FOG disposal and keep log sheets of maintenance. • Consider enrolling in our preventive maintenance program, which includes reminders, discounted service rates, and quarterly compliance inspections for Delano food-service facilities.