Grease-trap Maintenance
Grease-trap Maintenance | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Turtletown
Turtletown’s eateries, churches, and busy industrial kitchens rely on their grease traps every single day, and HEP is the local team that keeps those critical systems flowing. Our licensed technicians arrive on schedule with vacuum trucks, powerful jetters, and eco-friendly cleaners to pump, scrape, and sanitize every inch of your trap—protecting pipes from clogs, preventing foul odors, and keeping you in full code compliance. From quarterly maintenance plans to emergency call-outs after hours, we tailor each visit around your hours of operation so you never lose a minute of service.
Because grease control is only one piece of the puzzle, our crew also checks your lines, interceptors, and backflow devices for hidden buildup before it becomes an expensive disaster. It’s precision work born from decades of commercial plumbing experience, and you’ll feel the difference the moment you see how quickly water clears and how fresh your kitchen smells. Call HEP today and give your business the confidence that only true professionals can provide.
FAQs
What is a grease trap and why do commercial kitchens in Turtletown need one?
A grease trap (or grease interceptor) is a plumbing device installed in the drain line to capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they reach the municipal sewer. In Turtletown, local health and environmental regulations require food-service establishments to have properly sized and maintained grease traps to 1) prevent costly drain and sewer blockages, 2) reduce foul odors and pest issues, and 3) protect waterways from pollution. Regular maintenance keeps your kitchen running smoothly and ensures compliance with city codes and insurance requirements.
How often should my grease trap be cleaned or serviced?
Most commercial kitchens should have their grease trap pumped and cleaned every 1–3 months. The exact interval depends on trap size, the type of food prepared, kitchen volume, and local ordinances. Turtletown inspectors generally follow the 25 % rule: once FOG and solids occupy one-quarter of the trap’s liquid depth, it must be serviced. Our technicians track your FOG levels during each visit and can set up a tailored maintenance schedule so you never risk an overflow or citation.
What are the warning signs that my grease trap needs maintenance?
Common red flags include: • Slow-draining sinks, floor drains, or dishwashers • Persistent “rotten egg” or rancid grease odors around the kitchen or parking lot • Gurgling sounds coming from drains • Grease slicks or backups in clean-outs and manholes • Health-department warnings or elevated FOG readings during inspections If you notice any of these, call our Turtletown commercial plumbing team immediately to prevent a full blockage or costly fines.
What does professional grease-trap maintenance involve?
Our licensed plumbers follow a multi-step process: 1. Measure and record FOG and solids levels for compliance documentation. 2. Pump out all contents using a vacuum truck rated for grease waste. 3. Scrape and pressure-wash interior walls, baffles, and crossover pipes to remove hardened deposits. 4. Inspect gaskets, tees, and lids for damage or corrosion. 5. Flush connected lines with hot water or hydro-jetting to clear residual grease. 6. Reseal the unit, add an enzyme treatment if requested, and provide written service logs and waste-disposal manifests. This thorough approach maximizes trap capacity, extends system life, and keeps you in good standing with Turtletown regulators.
Can my staff just clean the grease trap themselves, or should we hire a licensed plumber?
Small under-sink traps can sometimes be cleaned by trained staff, but large in-ground or outdoor interceptors required for most restaurants must be pumped by a licensed hauler under state and city law. DIY attempts can lead to incomplete removal, environmental violations, health hazards, and potential damage to the trap. Hiring a Turtletown-licensed commercial plumber ensures the job meets code, the waste is disposed of at an approved facility, and you receive the paperwork needed for health inspections and insurance.
What records do you provide after service, and how do they help during health inspections?
After each maintenance visit, we issue: • A detailed service report noting FOG/solids measurements, date, technician license number, and next recommended service date • A waste manifest showing the volume removed and the certified disposal facility • Photos (before/after) for your records • A signed log sheet to keep on file for city inspectors Keeping these documents readily available demonstrates due diligence, helps you pass surprise inspections, and can reduce liability in the event of sewer backups.