Grease Traps
Grease Traps | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Greenback
When Greenback kitchens grind to a halt because a grease trap is clogged, HEP swoops in with fast, fuss-free relief. Our certified technicians inspect, pump, and restore your system with minimal downtime, keeping your restaurant, cafeteria, or food-service facility compliant and odor-free. From preventative maintenance schedules to 24/7 emergency response, we bring the same hometown courtesy we’ve shown East Tennessee for decades—plus the specialized equipment to tackle the toughest fats, oils, and grease.
HEP’s grease trap services are backed by deep commercial plumbing expertise, so you’re not just getting a routine pump-out; you’re getting a partner who understands local codes, health-department regulations, and the importance of spotless sanitation scores. Trust us to safeguard your workflow, protect your pipes, and let you focus on what matters most: serving great food to satisfied customers.
FAQs
What is a grease trap and why does my Greenback business need one?
A grease trap (also called a grease interceptor) is a plumbing device that captures fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they enter the sanitary sewer. In Greenback and throughout Tennessee, commercial kitchens—restaurants, cafeterias, cafés, food-processing plants, and even some convenience stores—are legally required to install and maintain grease traps. Properly functioning equipment helps prevent costly line blockages, protects the municipal sewer system, and keeps your business compliant with state and local wastewater ordinances.
How often should a commercial grease trap be pumped or cleaned in Greenback?
The general industry rule is the 25 % guideline: once the grease and solids in the trap fill 25 % of its capacity, it must be serviced. For most Greenback eateries that translates to pumping every 30–90 days. High-volume fry kitchens may need monthly service, while low-volume operations might extend to quarterly. Our technicians measure FOG levels during each visit and recommend a schedule tailored to your specific flow rates, menu, and trap size.
What happens if I don’t maintain my grease trap?
Neglecting regular service can lead to slow drains, backup into your kitchen, and emergency shutdowns. More importantly, Greenback businesses are subject to inspection by the local utility district and the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation. Failing an inspection can result in fines, mandatory cleanups, and even revocation of your food-service permit until the violation is corrected—costing far more than routine maintenance.
Do you provide 24/7 emergency grease trap and drain services for commercial customers?
Yes. Grease blockages rarely occur on a convenient schedule. Our licensed commercial plumbers are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across Greenback and surrounding Loudon County. We arrive with vacuum trucks, hydro-jetters, and CCTV camera equipment to diagnose the obstruction, pump out the trap, and restore flow so you can reopen quickly.
Can you handle the paperwork required for health department and sewer-use compliance?
Absolutely. After each service we give you a manifest documenting the date, volume removed, disposal site, and technician’s certification—exactly what Greenback health inspectors expect. We keep electronic copies to help you demonstrate ongoing compliance during audits or surprise inspections and can file reports directly with the municipality on your behalf if requested.
How do I know what size grease interceptor my business needs, and can you install it according to code?
Sizing is based on fixture count, sink capacities, flow rates, and menu type. Our master plumbers perform an on-site calculation following the latest International Plumbing Code (IPC) tables adopted by Tennessee. We supply both in-kitchen passive traps (generally 20–100 gallons) and exterior precast interceptors (500–1,500 gallons). During installation we obtain all permits, schedule inspections, and certify that the interceptor meets local backflow, venting, and clean-out requirements, ensuring you pass final inspection the first time.