Grease-trap Blockages
Grease-trap Blockages | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Johnson City
When a busy Johnson City kitchen screeches to a halt because the grease trap is backed up, every minute counts. HEP’s specialists arrive fast with hydro-jetters, augers, and camera inspections to clear blockages and haul away the sludge before it can foul drains, contaminate prep areas, or trigger a health-department citation. From diners on State of Franklin to cafeterias at ETSU, we keep local chefs cooking and customers happy.
Our crew is trained for the toughest commercial plumbing nightmares—grease build-ups, foul odors, surprise overflows at 2 a.m.—and we’re on call 24/7. You’ll get transparent pricing, digital service reports, and a preventative maintenance plan that stops future clogs cold. Trust HEP to safeguard your reputation, protect your bottom line, and let you focus on serving the best food in town.
FAQs
What typically causes grease-trap blockages in commercial kitchens?
In most Johnson City food-service establishments, blockages stem from a buildup of fats, oils, grease, and food solids that cool and harden inside the trap. When the trap is undersized, pumped too infrequently, or receives a sudden surge of hot, greasy wastewater, the internal baffles and flow restrictors become coated and eventually clog. Detergents and hot water may push grease farther into the outgoing line, where it congeals and forms a hard plug that only professional equipment can remove.
How often should my Johnson City business have its grease trap serviced?
The Johnson City Municipal Code and the International Plumbing Code recommend pumping once the trap is 25 % full of FOG (fats, oils, and grease) or at least every 30–90 days for most restaurants. High-volume facilities such as cafeterias, hotel kitchens, and barbecue restaurants may need monthly service, while smaller coffee shops may be able to extend to every 90 days. A certified commercial plumber can measure your trap, review cooking volumes, and set a custom schedule that keeps you compliant and prevents emergency blockages.
What warning signs indicate my commercial grease trap is clogged and needs a plumber?
Common red flags include slow-draining sinks, gurgling sounds, foul "rotten-egg" odors near floor drains, water backing up when dishwashers discharge, and grease slicks on the parking-lot clean-out. If employees notice standing water around floor sinks or the external manhole, the trap is likely overdue for pumping. Addressing these symptoms quickly avoids health-department citations and costly after-hours shutdowns.
What does a professional grease-trap cleaning and unclogging service involve?
Our commercial plumbing team begins with a visual inspection and volume measurement to document FOG levels. We then vacuum out grease, solids, and wastewater using a DOT-approved pump truck, pressure-wash interior walls and baffles, and hydro-jet downstream lines to remove hardened grease deposits. Components are checked for corrosion or damage, gaskets are replaced if needed, and a service log is provided for regulatory compliance. The entire process is non-intrusive and usually takes 60–90 minutes, minimizing downtime for your kitchen.
Are there local regulations in Johnson City regarding grease-trap maintenance and recordkeeping?
Yes. The City of Johnson City FOG Ordinance requires all food-service establishments to install properly sized grease interceptors, maintain a cleaning log on site, and provide records to utility inspectors upon request. Failure to comply can result in fines, utility surcharges, or mandatory installation of remote monitoring devices. Hiring a licensed commercial plumber ensures your trap meets size and venting requirements and that you receive the documentation needed to pass health and sewer inspections.
How can my business prevent future grease-trap blockages and costly shutdowns?
Train staff to scrape food waste and pour liquid grease into collection bins before washing, install sink strainers, and post "No Grease in Drains" signage. Maintain a consistent pumping schedule, and consider installing a high-efficiency dish machine that pre-filters solids. Regular hydro-jetting of outlet lines, baffle inspections, and biological grease-digesting additives (approved by your plumber) can also extend service intervals. Partnering with a Johnson City commercial plumbing specialist for routine inspections is the most reliable way to keep operations running smoothly.