Grease-trap Maintenance
Grease-trap Maintenance | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Loudon
When fats, oils, and grease start to slow the flow at your restaurant, cafeteria, or industrial kitchen in Loudon, HEP’s grease-trap maintenance team is ready to keep things moving. Our licensed technicians arrive on schedule with vacuum trucks and eco-friendly cleaning solutions, pump out every last ounce of build-up, and perform a thorough inspection so you stay ahead of costly backups and health-department fines. It’s the specialized side of commercial plumbing that protects your reputation, preserves your pipes, and lets your staff focus on serving customers instead of fighting clogs.
From one-time emergency pump-outs to customizable maintenance plans, HEP tailors its service to fit your hours and budget. We document every visit for regulatory compliance, dispose of waste responsibly, and back our work with 24/7 on-call support—because in Loudon’s fast-paced food service scene, downtime isn’t an option. Trust the local pros who handle grease-trap care the right way, every time.
FAQs
Why is regular grease-trap maintenance essential for Loudon commercial kitchens?
Cooking fats, oils, and grease (FOG) solidify as they cool, forming blockages in your plumbing and Loudon’s municipal sewer mains. A properly maintained grease trap captures FOG before it reaches the drain line. Routine service prevents backups, foul odors, expensive emergency repairs, health-department violations, and possible fines from Loudon Utilities or Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC). It also helps your business remain compliant with the EPA’s Clean Water Act and avoids the disruption that comes with unexpected downtime.
How often should my Loudon business schedule grease-trap pumping and cleaning?
Frequency depends on the size of the interceptor and the volume of cooking you do, but the industry rule of thumb is the “25 Percent Rule”: once FOG and food solids occupy 25 % of the trap’s liquid capacity, it must be serviced. For most Loudon restaurants, that translates to every 30–90 days. High-volume establishments such as cafeterias, hotels, or processing plants may need monthly service, while smaller cafés can often go 90 days. We offer free on-site assessments and set up a custom maintenance calendar to keep you compliant and cost-efficient.
What signs indicate my grease trap needs immediate service?
• Slow-draining sinks or floor drains • Gurgling sounds in the drain line • Persistent kitchen or parking-lot odors that smell like rancid grease • Visible grease or solids in the clean-out or manhole • Water backing up during dishwashing or food prep If you notice any of these symptoms, call us right away. Delaying maintenance can lead to overflows that shut your kitchen down and result in health-code penalties.
Are there Loudon or Tennessee regulations my business must follow regarding grease-trap maintenance?
Yes. Loudon County follows the Tennessee FOG Control Program, which requires all food-service establishments to install and maintain appropriately sized grease interceptors. Records of each pumping or cleaning must be kept on site for at least three years and be available for inspection by Loudon Utilities and the TDEC. Exceeding the 25 % capacity limit or discharging FOG directly into the sewer can trigger fines, surcharges, or even service interruption. Our licensed plumbers understand the local ordinances and provide the documentation inspectors need.
What does your professional grease-trap maintenance service include?
1. Pre-service inspection: We measure FOG and solids to verify service is needed. 2. Complete pump-out: All liquids and solids are removed using vacuum trucks approved for FOG disposal. 3. Scrape & rinse: We pressure-wash internal walls, baffles, and incoming/outgoing lines to remove residue. 4. System check: We inspect gaskets, lids, and flow control devices for wear and replace if necessary. 5. Compliance paperwork: You receive a manifest showing volume removed, transporter license number, and disposal site. 6. Maintenance log update: We update your on-site FOG log to keep you audit-ready and schedule the next service date.
How can my kitchen staff reduce grease build-up between scheduled service visits?
• Dry-wipe pots, pans, and plates with paper towels before rinsing. • Install sink strainers to catch food solids. • Train employees to pour waste oil into labeled recycling bins, not sinks. • Use water at 140 °F or below when pre-rinsing; extremely hot water melts grease temporarily, sending it deeper into pipes where it solidifies. • Schedule regular line jetting for high-use drains. • Keep detailed records of daily cleaning tasks to reinforce best practices. Following these steps lowers maintenance costs, extends the life of your grease trap, and supports a cleaner Loudon sewer system.