Grease-trap Cleaning
Grease-trap Cleaning | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Oneida
Grease traps may be out of sight, but every restaurant, cafeteria, or processing plant in Oneida knows what happens when they’re out of mind. HEP’s specialists arrive with powerful pump-out equipment, hydro-jetting tools, and decades of know-how to clear away hardened fats, oils, and food solids before they back up into sinks, dishwashers, or city lines. We document each cleaning for code compliance, haul the waste to licensed disposal sites, and leave your kitchen running odor-free and inspection-ready—often in less time than a lunch rush.
Because a single clog can stall an entire operation, our 24/7 dispatch dovetails grease-trap service with the rest of your commercial plumbing needs. Scheduled maintenance plans, emergency callouts, fair upfront pricing, and courteous techs in clean uniforms all add up to the hassle-free partnership you’ve been looking for. Call HEP today and keep your business cooking, not clogging.
FAQs
Why is regular grease-trap cleaning important for commercial kitchens in Oneida?
Grease traps capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they enter the municipal sewer. If they are not cleaned frequently, the accumulated FOG solidifies, causing blockages, foul odors, plumbing backups, and even kitchen shutdowns. In Oneida, businesses can also be fined for sanitary sewer overflows linked to poorly maintained grease traps. Routine cleaning keeps your kitchen compliant, odor-free, and operating without costly interruptions.
How often should my facility schedule professional grease-trap cleaning?
The common industry rule is the 25 % guideline: when 25 % of a trap’s liquid depth is filled with FOG and solids, it must be cleaned. For most restaurants in Oneida, that translates to every 30–90 days. High-volume fry houses may need monthly service, while lower-volume cafés might stretch to quarterly visits. Our technicians measure FOG levels at each service and give a tailored schedule so you never over- or under-clean.
What signs indicate my grease trap needs immediate service?
Warning signs include slow-draining sinks or floor drains, gurgling sounds in the plumbing, persistent kitchen odors, greasy residue on trap lids, or water backing up when dishwashers run. If you notice any of these, call us right away—waiting could lead to a total blockage or a surprise health inspection citation.
What is included in your commercial grease-trap cleaning service?
We start with a pre-service inspection and FOG level measurement, then vacuum and remove all grease, water, and sludge. Next we scrape and pressure-wash internal walls, baffles, and inlet/outlet pipes, ensuring no hardened grease remains. Components are reassembled, seals are checked for leaks, and the trap is refilled with clean water. Finally, we provide a detailed manifest and before/after photos—documentation you can show inspectors to prove compliance.
Are there local regulations in Oneida or New York State that govern grease-trap maintenance?
Yes. Oneida’s sewer use ordinance and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) rules require food-service establishments to install and properly maintain grease traps. Records of each cleaning (date, volume removed, hauler information) must be kept on-site for at least three years and shown to inspectors upon request. Failure to comply can result in fines, surcharges on your sewer bill, or mandatory installation of larger interceptors.
How can routine grease-trap maintenance save my business money?
Regular service prevents emergency plumbing calls that often run into thousands of dollars. It also extends the life of your plumbing and drains, reduces downtime, and helps avoid fines. Well-maintained traps improve kitchen air quality, lowering HVAC strain and energy costs. Plus, by keeping FOG out of the sewer, you reduce the risk of surcharges from the city’s wastewater treatment plant for excess grease discharge.