Grease Trap
Grease Trap | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Oakdale
From bustling restaurants on Main Street to school cafeterias serving hundreds daily, Oakdale businesses rely on well-maintained grease traps to keep kitchens humming and local sewers trouble-free. HEP’s licensed specialists arrive with hydro-jetters, enzyme treatments, and inspection cameras at the ready, clearing blockages before they back up sinks or invite costly health-code fines. Because our team focuses solely on commercial plumbing, every visit is scheduled around your peak hours, and every solution is engineered for high-volume demand.
Whether you need a new interceptor sized to city code, an emergency pump-out at 3 a.m., or a maintenance plan that includes quarterly reports for inspectors, HEP delivers speed, transparency, and a spotless workspace. We’re Oakdale’s one-call partner for grease trap and commercial plumbing excellence—keeping your business open, compliant, and odor-free day after day.
FAQs
Why do commercial kitchens in Oakdale need grease traps?
City and state plumbing codes require every food-service establishment to install and maintain a grease trap (also called a grease interceptor) to keep fats, oils, and grease (FOG) out of the public sewer system. When hot wastewater cools, the grease solidifies, creating blockages that lead to foul odors, overflows, costly fines, and potential closure of the business. A properly sized and maintained trap captures these contaminants before they reach the municipal lines, protecting Oakdale’s infrastructure and the environment while keeping your kitchen compliant and operational.
How often should my grease trap be serviced or cleaned?
Frequency depends on the trap’s capacity, the volume of food cooked, and local code, but most Oakdale restaurants fall under the “25 % rule” and the 90-day maximum cleaning interval. Once the accumulated FOG and solids reach 25 % of the trap’s liquid volume, or every three months—whichever comes first—it must be pumped and cleaned. Heavy-use operations (fried foods, 24-hour service, large seating) may need monthly or even bi-weekly service. We provide free on-site evaluations and set up a custom schedule so you stay compliant without paying for unnecessary service calls.
What are the signs that my grease trap or interceptor needs maintenance?
Common red flags include slow-draining sinks or floor drains, gurgling sounds, foul sulfur or “rotten egg” odors, grease or solids visibly floating in fixture drains, and water backing up onto the kitchen floor. You might also notice pest activity or see grease escaping into the downstream clean-out port. If you experience any of these issues, call us immediately—waiting can result in sewer backups, health-department violations, and emergency after-hours rates.
What does your grease trap plumbing service in Oakdale include?
Our licensed commercial plumbers provide a turnkey solution: • Sizing and installation of new in-kitchen traps or outdoor interceptors to meet Oakdale and state code. • Scheduled pumping with vacuum trucks that completely remove FOG, solids, and graywater. • High-pressure hydro-jetting of inlet and outlet lines to restore full flow. • Interior scraping and deodorizing to eliminate odors and corrosion. • Post-service inspection report with volumes removed, condition photos, and manifest for local compliance records. • 24/7 emergency response in the event of backups. • Optional enzyme dosing systems and staff training to reduce future build-up.
Are you familiar with City of Oakdale FOG regulations and permitting?
Yes. We stay current with Oakdale’s municipal code, county environmental health requirements, and the state of California’s plumbing standards. Our technicians submit required pump-out manifests, maintain service logs for health inspectors, and can assist in completing or renewing your FOG permit. During routine visits we verify that baffles are intact, flow restrictors are present, and sample ports are accessible—items often checked during city inspections. This helps you avoid fines and keeps your establishment in good standing.
How can I reduce grease trap emergencies and plumbing backups?
Preventive practices are the key: 1. Dry-wipe pots, pans, and plates before washing to remove bulk grease. 2. Install and clean sink strainers daily to prevent food solids from entering the trap. 3. Train staff to never pour hot oil or chemicals (bleach, solvents) down drains—these melt grease and push it deeper into the sewer. 4. Keep accurate service records and follow the agreed cleaning schedule. 5. Use only approved biological additives—harsh degreasers just move the problem downstream. 6. Have inlet and outlet lines professionally hydro-jetted at least once a year. Following these steps along with regular professional maintenance will extend the life of your plumbing and minimize costly downtime.