Grease Traps
Grease Traps | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Rogersville
Running a busy kitchen in Rogersville means every second counts, and a clogged or inefficient grease trap can bring operations to a halt. HEP’s licensed technicians specialize in fast, code-compliant grease trap installation, maintenance, and emergency repair, so your staff can stay focused on serving guests instead of worrying about backups or fines. We inspect lines with advanced camera equipment, pump out and haul away waste responsibly, and offer maintenance schedules tailored to your peak hours, all while minimizing downtime.
Because grease traps are only one piece of a much larger system, we pair our expertise with full-service commercial plumbing solutions that safeguard the rest of your building. From high-capacity water heaters to backflow prevention, our team delivers the responsive support and transparent pricing local businesses have trusted for decades. Call HEP today and experience how a clean, efficient plumbing infrastructure can boost productivity and keep your Rogersville kitchen running smoothly.
FAQs
Why does my Rogersville restaurant or commercial kitchen need a grease trap?
Local and state plumbing codes require all food-service establishments to have a functioning grease trap or interceptor. These devices prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the municipal sewer system, where they can solidify, cause blockages, trigger sewer overflows, and lead to costly fines. Installing and maintaining a grease trap protects public infrastructure, keeps your business compliant with Rogersville and Tennessee health regulations, and avoids emergency plumbing interruptions that can shut down your kitchen operations.
How often should a grease trap be pumped or cleaned?
The industry rule of thumb is the “25 % rule”—once FOG and solids reach 25 % of the trap’s liquid volume, it must be serviced. For most Rogersville restaurants that translates to a cleaning interval of every 30 to 90 days. High-volume fry kitchens or facilities that operate 24/7 may need monthly service, while low-volume cafés might stretch to quarterly. We recommend setting up a recurring maintenance schedule based on an initial inspection; our technicians document FOG levels each visit so we can fine-tune the frequency and keep you in continuous compliance.
What are the warning signs that my grease trap needs immediate service or repair?
Common red flags include slow floor drains, foul odors near the trap or mop sink, water backing up when dishwashers drain, visible grease in downstream clean-outs, and gurgling noises in plumbing lines. You may also notice pest activity attracted by food waste. Ignoring these symptoms can escalate to a full sewer backup or equipment damage. If you observe any of these signs, call us right away for an inspection; we offer 24/7 emergency commercial plumbing service in Rogersville.
What regulations apply to grease traps in Rogersville, TN, and what records do I need?
Rogersville adopts the International Plumbing Code (IPC) along with specific municipal sewer ordinances that mandate the installation and routine maintenance of grease traps for food-service establishments. The Hawkins County Health Department may request maintenance logs during routine inspections. Businesses must keep manifests or receipts that show the date, volume, and hauler information for each pump-out. Our service includes complete paperwork and digital copies stored in the cloud, so you can produce compliance records on demand.
Can you retrofit or upgrade an existing grease trap to meet current code?
Yes. Many older kitchens have undersized or deteriorating steel traps that no longer meet capacity requirements. We perform on-site assessments to calculate the proper interceptor size based on fixture counts, flow rates, and menu type. Options include fiberglass, HDPE, or concrete gravity interceptors as well as automatic grease recovery units (AGRUs). We handle permitting, removal of the old unit, plumbing re-piping, and concrete work, ensuring minimal disruption and code compliance from day one.
What should I expect during a professional grease trap installation or major repair?
Our process starts with a free consultation and sizing calculation. Once approved, we schedule work during your off-hours to limit downtime. Installation typically involves saw-cutting concrete, setting the new trap below grade or indoors, connecting inlet and outlet piping, and performing hydrostatic testing. For repairs, we may replace baffles, gaskets, or broken lids. Most jobs are completed in 1–2 days; we coordinate waste hauling, obtain all Rogersville permits, and conduct a final walkthrough so you can reopen with confidence.