Grease-trap Installs
Grease-trap Installs | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Karns
From bustling restaurants on Oak Ridge Highway to busy school cafeterias, Karns businesses count on HEP for fast, code-compliant grease-trap installs that keep kitchens humming and inspectors happy. Our licensed technicians arrive with the right parts, the right permits, and a deep understanding of commercial plumbing challenges—so fats, oils, and grease end up where they belong instead of in your drain lines. We size each trap to your volume, handle the concrete cutting and piping in one visit, and test every seal before we leave.
Choosing HEP means fewer callbacks, predictable maintenance schedules, and a partner who answers the phone 24/7. Whether you’re opening a new location or upgrading an outdated system, we’ll protect your investment, your reputation, and Knoxville’s waterways with workmanship that’s as clean as your sink water will be. Call today and see why Karns trusts HEP to do commercial plumbing right the first time.
FAQs
Why does my Karns restaurant or commercial kitchen need a grease trap?
Local health and building codes in Karns (and Knox County as a whole) require any facility that prepares food to intercept fats, oils and grease (FOG) before they reach the public sewer. A properly sized and installed grease trap prevents blockages, protects the environment, and keeps you in compliance with the Karns Utility District’s regulations. Failure to install or maintain a grease trap can lead to fines, plumbing backups, unpleasant odors, and costly emergency repairs.
How do I know what size grease trap my business needs?
Sizing is based on several factors, including the number of fixtures that discharge to the trap (sinks, dishwashers, mop basins, floor drains), flow-rate calculations, seating capacity, and local code formulas. During our site visit, we measure fixture capacities, peak‐hour flow rates and review Karns Utility District sizing charts to recommend the smallest unit that will still meet code and prevent FOG discharge. If you expand or add fixtures later, you may need to resize or add an additional unit.
How long does a commercial grease trap installation usually take?
Most indoor under-sink or in-floor units can be installed in a single business day, minimizing downtime. External in-ground interceptors typically require 2–3 days: one day for excavation, one for setting the tank and connecting piping, and another for backfilling and final inspections. We coordinate with inspectors and schedule work around your off-hours whenever possible to keep your kitchen operating.
Will I need permits or inspections for a grease trap installation in Karns?
Yes. Knox County Plumbing & Gas Permits are required for any new or replacement grease interceptor. After we submit engineered drawings, the county plumbing inspector and Karns Utility District must approve the plans. A final inspection is performed once the unit is installed and connected. Our team handles all paperwork, pulls the permits, schedules inspections, and provides the final compliance certificate so you have a complete record for future health inspections.
How often should my grease trap be pumped and serviced once it’s installed?
Industry best practice—and Karns Utility District rules—require pumping when FOG and solids reach 25% of the trap’s liquid capacity. For most restaurants this equates to every 30–90 days, depending on menu, volume, and trap size. We offer service plans that include pumping, pressure-washing baffles, inspecting gaskets, and providing manifests that must be kept on site for inspectors. Skipping service shortens the life of your plumbing and can lead to violations.
What does a commercial grease trap installation cost and what factors affect the price?
Indoor under-sink units start around $1,200–$2,500 installed, while large outdoor interceptors range from $6,000–$15,000+. Costs vary based on unit size, stainless-steel vs. fiberglass construction, ease of access, depth of excavation, concrete or asphalt restoration, and any required traffic-rated lids. We provide a detailed, no-obligation quote that itemizes equipment, permits, labor, and disposal fees so you know exactly what you’re paying for before work begins.