Grease Interceptors
Grease Interceptors | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Tracy City
Running a restaurant, cafeteria, or industrial kitchen in Tracy City means battling fats, oils, and grease every day. HEP’s grease interceptor specialists keep those by-products from overwhelming your drains, causing backups, or triggering costly health-department fines. With decades of local experience, we size, install, and maintain interceptors that meet code, protect the environment, and keep your doors open—all while integrating seamlessly with your existing commercial plumbing systems.
From preventive pumping schedules to 24/7 emergency response, our licensed technicians handle every detail so you can focus on serving customers, not wrestling with pipe blockages. When Tracy City businesses need reliable grease management backed by transparent pricing and a satisfaction guarantee, they turn to HEP for craftsmanship that’s as clean as the water we help keep flowing.
FAQs
What is a grease interceptor and why does my Tracy City commercial kitchen need one?
A grease interceptor (often called a grease trap) is a plumbing device that captures fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they enter the sanitary sewer. In Tracy City, as in most municipalities, food-service establishments are required by ordinance to install and maintain a properly sized interceptor to prevent sewer blockages, protect wastewater treatment facilities, and avoid costly fines. By separating FOG from wastewater, a grease interceptor keeps your pipes clear, minimizes emergency plumbing calls, and ensures compliance with local health and environmental regulations.
How often should my grease interceptor be pumped or cleaned in Tracy City?
The general industry rule is to service the unit when FOG and solids reach 25 % of its liquid depth, but Tracy City’s Environmental Services Department also recommends a minimum cleaning frequency of every 60–90 days for most restaurants. High-volume kitchens such as barbecue, fried-food, or cafeteria operations may need cleaning monthly or even bi-weekly. Keeping a pump-out log on site is mandatory; inspectors will ask to see it during routine visits. Regular maintenance prevents blockages, eliminates foul odors, and keeps you in compliance with city codes.
What size grease interceptor does my business require?
Sizing is based on fixture flow rates, seating capacity, hours of operation, menu type, and applicable plumbing code tables. Tracy City follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC) sizing charts, which typically range from 20 gpm/40 lb traps for small cafés to 100 gpm/2,000 lb interceptors for large commercial kitchens. A licensed commercial plumber will perform a flow-rate calculation, review your floor plan, and submit the sizing worksheet with your permit application to the city’s Building & Codes Department. Installing an undersized unit can lead to backups, overflow violations, and mandatory upgrades.
Are permits or inspections required for grease interceptor installation in Tracy City?
Yes. Any new installation, replacement, or relocation of a grease interceptor requires a plumbing permit from the Tracy City Building & Plumbing Division. The permit packet generally includes engineered drawings, sizing calculations, and manufacturer specifications. After rough-in, the city inspector will verify pipe slope, venting, and interceptor accessibility. A final inspection is performed once the unit is connected and operational. Annual or semi-annual compliance inspections by the city or county health department may follow, so keeping the unit accessible and well-maintained is essential.
How much does grease interceptor installation or replacement cost in Tracy City?
Costs vary with size, material (fiberglass, steel, concrete), and site conditions. Small indoor units (20–50 gpm) typically range from $2,500 to $6,000 installed. Outdoor concrete interceptors of 750–1,500 gallons can run $8,000 to $15,000, including excavation, piping, and concrete pad work. Budget $200–$600 per routine pump-out, depending on capacity and disposal fees. Obtaining multiple quotes from licensed commercial plumbers familiar with Tracy City codes ensures accurate pricing and code-compliant work.
What are the warning signs that my grease interceptor needs repair or replacement?
Persistent sewer odors, slow floor drains, grease or water bubbling up through clean-outs, or frequent clogs are early warnings. Visibly deteriorated baffles, corroded walls, or cracks in concrete tanks signal structural failure. If FOG measurements exceed 25 % soon after a pump-out, the interceptor may be undersized or damaged. City inspectors may issue deficiency notices if they observe leaks, missing covers, or poor effluent quality. Prompt repairs—such as replacing gaskets, baffles, or damaged piping—prevent health violations and costly emergency shutdowns.