Grease-trap Installation
Grease-trap Installation | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Newcomb
When Newcomb kitchens are humming, fats, oils, and grease can quickly clog pipes and trigger costly shutdowns. HEP’s licensed technicians design and install high-capacity grease traps that meet local trade-waste bylaws, protect your drains, and keep your business cooking. From initial site inspection to same-day commissioning, every step is handled in-house, so you can focus on serving customers instead of wrestling with plumbing permits.
Backed by 24/7 emergency support and transparent pricing, our team brings the precision of commercial plumbing to cafés, breweries, and large-scale food courts alike. We’ll size the right unit, route dedicated waste lines, and complete compliance paperwork before the first dish hits the sink. Ready to future-proof your kitchen? Call HEP today and book a free, on-site consultation.
FAQs
Why does my commercial kitchen in Newcomb need a grease trap?
Local trade-waste regulations require any food-service business to install and maintain a correctly sized grease trap (also called a grease interceptor). The device captures fats, oils and grease (FOG) before they enter the sewer, preventing blockages, odours and costly fines from Barwon Water. It also keeps you compliant with the EPA and Australian Standard AS 3500 for plumbing and drainage.
How do I know what size grease trap my business needs?
Sizing is calculated from fixture flow rates, kitchen peak-hour usage and council trade-waste conditions. In Newcomb, Barwon Water typically mandates flow-based sizing, expressed in litres per second and total holding capacity. Our licensed plumbers will survey your sinks, dishwashers and combi-ovens, then submit a sizing application to the council. Choosing the correct size ensures effective separation, avoids overflows and keeps pumping costs down.
Do I need permits or council approval before installation?
Yes. All new or upgraded grease traps must be approved by Barwon Water’s Trade Waste Department. We handle the paperwork for you—including drawings, hydraulic calculations and Form 1 lodgement with the Victorian Building Authority—so installation can proceed without delays or compliance risks. Final inspection and commissioning are arranged with the council once the unit is installed.
What is involved in the installation process and how long will it take?
A standard retrofit in an existing kitchen usually involves: (1) isolating water and wastewater lines; (2) cutting into the drainage run to reroute flow through the interceptor; (3) setting the tank on a concrete pad or in-ground pit; (4) connecting inlet, outlet and vent lines; and (5) pressure-testing and commissioning. For most small-to-medium venues this is completed in one business day, with minimal kitchen downtime. New-build sites are scheduled alongside other plumbing rough-in and typically add half a day to the project.
How often should the grease trap be pumped out and serviced?
Frequency depends on size and FOG loading, but Barwon Water generally requires pumping when the grease layer reaches 30 percent of tank volume—or at least every three months for busy venues. We offer tailored service contracts, including scheduled pump-outs, baffle inspection, resealing, and odour control treatments, so your kitchen stays compliant and operational year-round.
Can you provide emergency support if my grease trap backs up or I have a trade-waste issue?
Absolutely. Our 24/7 emergency team services Newcomb and surrounding suburbs. We carry hydro-jetting and vacuum extraction equipment to clear blockages, remove excess grease and restore flow. After the immediate fix, we perform a full system check, report the root cause and help you lodge any required incident notification with Barwon Water to avoid penalties.