Grease Traps
Grease Traps | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Washburn
When grease traps back up, kitchens grind to a halt—and so can your reputation. HEP’s specialists keep Washburn’s eateries, institutions, and food-processing facilities flowing smoothly with tailored grease-trap solutions. From precision sizing and code-compliant installation to scheduled pumping, jetting, and eco-friendly waste disposal, our certified technicians bring decades of commercial plumbing expertise to every call, 24/7.
We know local ordinances, health-department deadlines, and the urgency of dinner rushes. One quick visit secures meticulous inspections, digital service records, and proactive maintenance plans that slash downtime and fines. Trust HEP to protect your lines, your staff, and your bottom line—then get back to serving Washburn without a second thought.
FAQs
What is a grease trap and why does my Washburn commercial kitchen need one?
A grease trap (also called a grease interceptor) is a plumbing device that captures fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they enter the sanitary sewer system. In commercial kitchens—restaurants, cafeterias, hotels, schools, and food-processing plants—large volumes of FOG can quickly solidify in pipes, causing backups, foul odors, and costly fines. Washburn municipal code, along with Wisconsin DNR regulations, requires most food-service establishments to install and maintain a properly sized grease trap to protect public sewers and nearby Lake Superior waterways.
How often should grease traps be pumped or cleaned in Washburn?
The industry rule of thumb is to service a grease trap when it reaches 25 % of its liquid capacity in accumulated FOG or at least every 30–90 days. However, local ordinance in Washburn and Bayfield County may shorten that interval based on your kitchen’s size and water usage. Our technicians track your trap’s FOG levels during each visit, create a tailored maintenance schedule, and file any required pumping reports with city inspectors so you stay fully compliant.
What are common signs that my grease trap is clogged or malfunctioning?
• Slow-draining sinks or floor drains • Gurgling sounds in the plumbing lines • Persistent kitchen odors that smell like rancid grease • Grease or solids visible in downstream clean-outs or manholes • Water levels above the outlet pipe inside the trap If you notice any of these warning signs, call us immediately. Ignoring them can lead to emergency overflows and potential closure by health inspectors.
What grease-trap services does your Washburn commercial plumbing team provide?
We offer turnkey solutions: sizing and code consultation, professional installation, scheduled pumping, high-pressure jetting of inlet/outlet lines, baffle and gasket replacement, biological additive programs, compliance documentation, and 24/7 emergency response. All waste is transported to a licensed disposal facility, and digital service records are available for your next city inspection.
Can you help my business stay compliant with local and state grease regulations?
Yes. Our technicians are versed in Washburn Public Works requirements, the Wisconsin Plumbing Code (SPS 382), and EPA Best Management Practices. We handle permit applications, provide manifest copies for each pump-out, and offer staff training on proper FOG disposal. When regulations change, we notify you and adjust your maintenance plan so your establishment avoids fines and downtime.
How much does grease trap installation or maintenance cost in Washburn?
Pricing depends on trap size (under-sink vs. in-ground), accessibility, frequency of service, and whether line jetting or component replacement is needed. Typical cleaning starts around $150–$250 for small indoor units and $300–$600 for large outdoor interceptors. A new in-ground installation can range from $2,500 to $8,000, including excavation and permits. We provide free on-site assessments and written estimates so you can budget with confidence.