Grease-trap Cleaning
Grease-trap Cleaning | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Speedwell
When Speedwell kitchens are firing on all burners, the last thing you need is a backup of grease and grit. HEP’s trained technicians arrive on schedule, pump out the trap, scrape away stubborn buildup, and haul the waste to an approved facility—keeping you code-compliant, odor-free, and ready for the lunch rush. Our high-capacity vac trucks, eco-friendly cleaning agents, and 24/7 emergency line mean one call solves the mess and minimizes downtime.
Because grease traps are only one link in your operation, we also inspect lines, flush drains, and offer preventive maintenance plans that fit the rhythms of restaurants, schools, and industrial kitchens. From single-site cafés to multi-property franchises, HEP delivers the reliable commercial plumbing expertise Speedwell businesses count on for clean, clear, worry-free flow.
FAQs
What is a grease trap and why does my Speedwell business need one?
A grease trap (sometimes called a grease interceptor) is a plumbing device installed between your kitchen’s drain lines and the municipal sewer system. Its job is to capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they enter the sewer, where they can cool, solidify, and cause blockages. In Speedwell, local health and environmental regulations require any commercial kitchen—restaurants, cafés, hotels, schools, hospitals, and food-processing plants—to have a properly sized and regularly serviced grease trap. Staying compliant helps you avoid hefty fines, sewer backups, and costly emergency plumbing calls while protecting the community’s wastewater infrastructure.
How often should commercial grease traps be cleaned?
Cleaning frequency depends on three key factors: trap size, kitchen volume, and the amount of grease produced. The industry standard is the “25 % rule,” which says your grease trap must be cleaned when FOG and solids reach one-quarter of its liquid capacity. For most Speedwell food-service establishments, this works out to every 30–90 days. High-volume or fry-heavy kitchens may need monthly service, while smaller cafés might be fine on a quarterly schedule. Our technicians will assess usage patterns, measure FOG buildup, and recommend a maintenance cycle that keeps you compliant with Speedwell’s municipal bylaws.
What does your professional grease-trap cleaning service include?
Our comprehensive service covers: • Pre-service inspection – We check inlet/outlet baffles, flow restrictors, and overall trap condition. • Pump-out and removal – We vacuum all wastewater, grease layer, and settled solids using a high-capacity vacuum truck. • Scraping and high-pressure washing – We scrape internal walls and pressure-wash to remove residual grease. • Line jetting (optional) – If needed, we hydro-jet upstream and downstream lines to prevent blockages. • Proper disposal – Collected FOG is transported by a licensed hauler to an approved recycling or disposal facility, in line with Tennessee and Speedwell regulations. • Compliance documentation – You receive a manifest and service report for your health-department records and any audits.
What are the warning signs that my grease trap needs immediate attention?
Watch for these red flags: • Slow-draining sinks or floor drains in the kitchen • Gurgling sounds or water backing up when multiple fixtures are in use • Persistent foul odors (rotten eggs or rancid grease) near drains or outside where the trap is located • Visible grease slicks or overflow around the trap’s access covers • Increased visits from health inspectors highlighting FOG compliance issues If you notice any of these signs, schedule emergency service to prevent an unsanitary backup or shutdown of your operation.
Can I dispose of grease-trap waste myself?
No. Under Tennessee state law and Speedwell municipal codes, only certified grease-waste transporters may haul and dispose of FOG. Dumping grease into dumpsters, storm drains, or landscaping is illegal and can lead to fines, business closures, and environmental damage. Our licensed service guarantees that all waste is handled, transported, and documented in accordance with state and local requirements, keeping your business on the right side of the law.
How much does grease-trap cleaning cost in Speedwell and what factors affect pricing?
Typical service for a 20- to 50-gallon under-sink trap starts around $150–$250 per visit. Larger outdoor interceptors (500–1,500 gallons) can range from $300 to $750, depending on: • Capacity of the trap/interceptor • Accessibility (indoor vs. outdoor, depth, parking lot access) • Amount of accumulated FOG and solids • Required pumping frequency • Extra services such as hydro-jetting or baffle repairs We provide free, no-obligation quotes after an on-site evaluation. Regular maintenance contracts can lower your per-visit cost and reduce surprise repairs.