Grease-trap Clogs
Grease-trap Clogs | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Jonesborough
Grease-trap backups can grind a busy Jonesborough kitchen to a halt, but HEP’s fast-acting team keeps your workflow—and your revenue—moving. Our certified technicians arrive with powerful jetting equipment, specialized augers, and enzymatic cleaners that slice through stubborn fat, oil, and sludge without harming your pipes or the environment. We inspect every trap, line, and outlet, then document the issue so you can stay ahead of health-department codes and insurance requirements.
When you partner with HEP, you get more than clog removal—you gain a proactive ally in commercial plumbing compliance. From routine maintenance plans that prevent costly shutdowns to 24/7 emergency response when the unexpected happens, we tailor our solutions to match the pace and pressures of your business. Call today, and turn your grease trap from a looming problem into just another box checked off your to-do list.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my commercial grease trap in Jonesborough is clogged?
You’ll usually notice slow-draining sinks, foul odors near floor drains, gurgling sounds in the plumbing lines, or grease backing up into food-prep areas. In severe cases, wastewater may overflow from clean-out lids or external clean-out pipes. If any of these symptoms appear, shut down dishwashing equipment and call a licensed commercial plumber immediately to prevent health-code violations and kitchen downtime.
How quickly can your Jonesborough plumbing team respond to a grease-trap emergency at my business?
We offer 24/7 emergency service throughout Jonesborough and surrounding Washington County. In most cases, a certified technician can be on-site within 60–90 minutes of your call, fully equipped with hydro-jetting machinery, vacuum pumps, and replacement gaskets. For restaurants, hospitals, and schools, we prioritize after-hours or same-day service to minimize disruption to your operations.
What typically causes grease-trap blockages in commercial kitchens?
The primary culprits are excessive fats, oils, and grease (FOG) bypassing the interceptor baffles, food solids settling in the trap, and soap scum combining with grease to form hard crusts. Improper sizing of the trap, infrequent pump-outs, or disposing of coffee grounds, rice, or pasta down the sink can speed up blockage formation. In Jonesborough, seasonal temperature drops can also solidify grease faster inside pipes, worsening clogs.
What methods do you use to clear a stubborn grease-trap clog, and are they safe for my plumbing?
Our technicians start with a visual inspection and volume measurement. We then pump out the grease trap using a vacuum truck, followed by high-pressure hydro-jetting of inlet and outlet lines (up to 4,000 PSI) to scour away residual grease. If hard blockages persist, we deploy rotating cutter heads or a mechanical auger. All procedures comply with EPA and Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation guidelines, ensuring no damage to your piping or the municipal sewer system.
How often should my business schedule preventive grease-trap cleaning and maintenance?
Industry best practice—and Washington County health code—suggests pumping when solids and grease reach 25 % of the trap’s total liquid depth. For most restaurants this equals every 30 to 90 days; high-volume fry kitchens may need service monthly, while low-grease facilities like bakeries can extend to 120 days. We can set up a customized maintenance calendar with automatic reminders and compliance logs for your health inspector.
Are there local Jonesborough or Tennessee regulations I need to follow for grease-trap maintenance?
Yes. Jonesborough adopts the Tennessee Plumbing Code, which requires all food-service establishments to install and maintain an appropriately sized grease interceptor. Maintenance records (date, hauler, volume removed) must be kept on-site for at least three years and made available to town inspectors. Discharging FOG levels above 100 mg/L into the municipal sewer can result in fines or mandatory surcharges. Our service includes digital recordkeeping and manifest forms to keep you fully compliant.