Grease Traps

HEP PlumbingGrease Traps

Grease Traps | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Philadelphia

From bustling Center City restaurants to high-volume food processors along the Delaware, Philadelphia kitchens rely on grease traps that work as hard as they do. HEP’s licensed specialists install, pump, and maintain every kind of interceptor, clearing blockages before they back up into sinks, dishwashers, or city sewers. We know the local code inside and out, file all inspection paperwork, and document every visit, so you stay compliant while focusing on serving customers.

Because downtime isn’t an option, our crew is on call 24/7 with vacuum trucks, hydro-jetters, and camera diagnostics ready to roll the moment you need them. Choose HEP for worry-free grease management, transparent pricing, and the responsive expertise that has made us Philadelphia’s first choice in commercial plumbing solutions.

FAQs

What are the local Philadelphia regulations regarding commercial grease traps?

The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) enforces a strict Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program. All food-service establishments must install and maintain an appropriately sized grease trap or interceptor that meets the current plumbing code (PA UCC/IPC) and PWD Sewer & Wastewater Control Regulations, Chapter 14-F. Failure to comply can result in fines, surcharges, or suspension of water service. Our licensed plumbers stay up to date on city ordinances, size the unit to the required flow rate, and file all paperwork so your business remains fully compliant.

How often should my commercial grease trap be cleaned?

The general rule—used by PWD inspectors—is the 25 Percent Rule: if solids and grease occupy a quarter of the trap’s liquid depth, it must be cleaned. For most Philadelphia restaurants, that translates to every 1–3 months. High-volume kitchens (diners, cafeterias, large caterers) often need monthly pump-outs, whereas smaller cafés might stretch to quarterly service. We offer recurring maintenance plans and document each cleaning with manifests to satisfy city record-keeping requirements.

What warning signs indicate my grease trap needs immediate service?

Slow floor drains, gurgling sounds, foul odors around the sink area, or grease appearing in downstream clean-outs are all red flags. You may also notice water backing up when multiple fixtures are in use or see a thick grease cap when you lift the interceptor lid. These symptoms mean the trap is approaching or exceeding capacity and should be pumped and inspected quickly to avoid costly sewer backups and health-department violations.

Do you provide 24/7 emergency grease trap plumbing in Philadelphia?

Yes. Grease blockages rarely occur on a convenient schedule. Our commercial plumbing team is on call around the clock, fully stocked with vacuum pump trucks, hydro-jetting equipment, and replacement gaskets. We can be on-site anywhere in Philadelphia or the surrounding counties within hours, minimizing downtime and keeping your kitchen code-compliant.

What does the grease trap installation process involve, and do you handle permits?

We begin with a site survey to calculate required flow rates and determine whether an under-sink trap or an in-ground interceptor best suits your operation. Next, we draft engineered drawings, submit permit applications to L&I and the PWD, and coordinate any sidewalk or street openings if a larger interceptor is needed. Once approved, our plumbers perform all excavation, concrete work, piping, venting, and final inspections. You receive an as-built diagram and maintenance guidelines before we close the permit.

How can routine maintenance save my business money in the long run?

Regular pump-outs and inspections prevent grease from solidifying in your drainage system, which can lead to expensive clogs, sewer surcharges, emergency shutdowns, or even water damage. Scheduled service extends the life of the interceptor, reduces the likelihood of health-department fines, and keeps your insurance premiums in check. Many of our Philadelphia clients recover maintenance costs by avoiding just one after-hours backup call per year.

HEP Plumbing
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(423) 228-7696