Grease-trap Maintenance
Grease-trap Maintenance | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Etowah
When kitchens are firing on all burners, even a small backup can grind service to a halt. HEP’s grease-trap maintenance crew specializes in keeping Etowah’s restaurants, hotels, and institutional facilities running smoothly with expert commercial plumbing care. Our licensed technicians pump, clean, and inspect every component of your trap, preventing foul odors, surprise shutdowns, and hefty municipal fines—so you can stay focused on plating great food instead of plumbing headaches.
From scheduled service plans to emergency 24/7 response, we pair cutting-edge hydro-jetting gear with decades of local know-how to remove every ounce of FOG (fats, oils, and grease). Detailed compliance reports, eco-friendly disposal, and clear upfront pricing mean no surprises—just a grease trap that works as hard as you do. Call HEP today and discover why Etowah businesses trust us to keep the flow going.
FAQs
Why is regular grease-trap maintenance important for Etowah businesses?
Routine cleaning prevents fats, oils and grease (FOG) from solidifying in your plumbing lines, causing backups, foul odors and costly emergency repairs. It also keeps you in compliance with Etowah and McMinn County health and wastewater regulations, avoids fines, and protects the Hiwassee River watershed from harmful discharges.
How often should a commercial grease trap be cleaned in Etowah?
Most food-service establishments need service every 30–90 days. The exact interval depends on trap size, kitchen volume, menu type and the “25 % rule” (when grease and solids occupy 25 % of total capacity, cleaning is required). Our technicians measure your trap on each visit and set a custom schedule to keep you compliant without over-servicing.
What are the warning signs that my grease trap needs immediate service?
Slow-draining sinks or floor drains, gurgling sounds, persistent kitchen odors, grease on inlet/outlet tees, or water backing up into fixtures are red flags. You might also notice fruit flies or a visible grease layer near the lid. If you observe any of these, call us before the situation escalates into a complete blockage or sanitation issue.
What does your Etowah grease-trap maintenance service include?
1) Pump-out of all liquids and solids with a vacuum truck; 2) Manual scraping of walls, baffles and lids; 3) High-pressure rinse to remove residue; 4) Inspection of inlet/outlet baffles, gaskets and cover integrity; 5) Accurate volume and FOG level measurements logged for regulatory records; 6) Environmentally responsible transport and disposal at a licensed facility. You receive a manifest and maintenance report for your files.
Are there local regulations I need to follow regarding grease traps?
Yes. The Etowah Utilities Board and McMinn County Health Department enforce EPA pretreatment standards requiring regular maintenance, accurate recordkeeping, and proper disposal of FOG waste. Inspections can occur without notice, and non-compliance may lead to citations, sewer surcharges, or even service interruption. Our service helps you meet all local, state and federal requirements effortlessly.
How can my staff reduce grease build-up between scheduled cleanings?
Train employees to dry-wipe cookware and dishes before washing, install sink strainers to catch solids, avoid pouring hot oil down drains, use low-phosphate detergents, and keep water temperatures below 140 °F so grease solidifies in the trap rather than the sewer line. Enzyme dosers can also help but never replace professional pump-outs.