Grease Trap
Grease Trap | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Morristown
When Morristown restaurants, cafeterias, and commercial kitchens need a grease trap that works as hard as they do, they call HEP. Our licensed technicians arrive on schedule, pump and clean every chamber, and inspect for hidden blockages or fatigue that can lead to surprise shutdowns. We haul waste away, document each service for health-department compliance, and leave your workspace spotless—all while your staff keeps cooking.
Because a grease trap is only one link in a larger system, our team brings full-scale commercial plumbing expertise to every job. From retrofitting high-capacity interceptors to jetting clogged lines at 3 a.m., we focus on preventing downtime and costly fines. Count on HEP for honest pricing, same-day solutions, and the peace of mind that comes from partnering with Morristown’s most trusted pros.
FAQs
What is a grease trap and why does my Morristown 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 line. Restaurants, cafeterias, bakeries, hotels, and any commercial kitchen in Morristown are required to have a properly sized and maintained grease trap to prevent blockages that can cause sewer overflows, health-department violations, and costly emergency repairs. Installing a grease trap keeps your operation compliant with Morristown’s local FOG ordinance and the 2021 New Jersey Plumbing Code while protecting the environment and your plumbing system.
How often should a commercial grease trap be pumped or cleaned?
Most Morristown food-service establishments need a full pump-out every 30–90 days, but the exact interval depends on trap size, kitchen volume, and the types of food prepared. The industry rule is the 25 % standard: if grease and solids occupy one-quarter of the trap’s liquid depth, it’s time for service. Our technicians provide free on-site evaluations and can set you up on a tailored maintenance schedule so you never miss a cleaning and always stay in compliance.
What regulations govern grease trap installation and maintenance in Morristown?
Grease trap sizing and installation fall under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code, which adopts the 2021 International Plumbing Code. Morristown’s local Sewer Utility also enforces a FOG program that requires: (1) properly engineered and permitted grease interceptors, (2) routine maintenance records kept on site for three years, and (3) immediate correction of any violations discovered during inspections. Failure to comply can result in fines or suspension of your sewer connection permit. We handle permitting, submittals, and documentation for you, ensuring your system meets all state and local requirements.
What warning signs indicate my grease trap is clogged or failing?
Common red flags include slow drains, foul odors near floor sinks or dish machines, gurgling sounds, and grease or food particles back-flowing into sinks. You may also notice frequent need for snaking or jetting downstream lines. If you experience any of these symptoms, shut down heavy grease-producing operations and call us immediately. We offer video inspection to pinpoint the problem and can pump, clean, or repair the trap before a minor blockage turns into a sewer backup.
How do I determine the correct size grease trap for my commercial kitchen?
Sizing is based on fixture flow rates, retention time, and local code formulas. In general, each sink, dishwasher, and mop basin contributes a calculated gallons-per-minute (GPM) flow rate; that number is multiplied by a retention factor (usually 2) to arrive at the required trap capacity in gallons. Undersizing leads to frequent clogs, while oversizing wastes space and money. Our licensed plumbers will survey your equipment lineup, apply Morristown’s approved sizing table, and recommend above-floor or in-ground units—from compact 20-gallon models to 1,500-gallon interceptors—tailored to your building layout and budget.
Do you provide emergency grease trap repair services in Morristown, and how fast can you respond?
Yes. We have a dedicated commercial plumbing team on call 24/7/365 for Morristown businesses. Typical arrival time is within 60–90 minutes of your call, day or night. Our service trucks carry high-capacity vacuum pumps, hydro-jetters, replacement gaskets, and common interceptor parts, so most blockages or mechanical failures can be resolved in one visit. If a replacement unit is needed, we can install a temporary bypass system to keep your kitchen operating while we procure and fit the new interceptor.