Grease traps are a vital part of any restaurant’s plumbing system. They prevent grease, oils, and food solids from entering the city’s wastewater system, which can lead to severe blockages. Still, grease trap maintenance is often confusing, especially for restaurant owners considering cleaning the trap themselves.
To help take the guesswork out of grease trap cleaning, we’re answering some of the most common questions we receive from Cincinnati area restaurant owners.
Can I clean my restaurant’s grease trap without hiring a plumber?
It’s not recommended and very difficult. Grease traps can hold a large amount of waste; without the proper tools and knowledge, you might risk creating more problems. Cleaning involves removing and disposing of thick, greasy sludge, which can be messy and potentially harmful to your health. In addition, if you don’t clean it correctly, you might miss some areas and risk causing clogs or odors. A professional plumber can ensure the job is done correctly and complies with local codes.
How often should I clean my grease trap?
The frequency of grease trap cleaning depends on the trap size and the volume of food waste your restaurant processes. Generally, grease traps should be cleaned every 1 to 3 months. High-volume kitchens may need to clean theirs more often, while smaller operations may get away with cleaning every few months. A clogged or improperly maintained grease trap can lead to backups, foul odors, and even fines from local authorities, so keeping a regular maintenance schedule is crucial.
How often should a grease trap be cleaned?
What happens if I don’t clean my grease trap often enough?
If you don’t clean your grease trap regularly, the grease can build up and clog the system. Over time, this can lead to foul odors, slow drainage, and even complete blockages in your plumbing. Grease can also flow into the city’s sewer system, which can cause costly backups and potential fines for your business. In severe cases, neglected grease traps can result in health violations or the closure of your restaurant until the issue is resolved.
Can I use chemicals to clean my grease trap instead of pumping it?
While some DIYers may be tempted to use harsh chemicals to break down grease, this is generally not recommended. Chemicals can damage your plumbing, contaminate the local water supply, and may not effectively remove thick grease layers or solids. Mechanical pumping and manual cleaning are much more effective for maintaining a healthy grease trap. It’s also important to check with your local environmental regulations before using any chemicals, as certain substances may not be allowed.
5 signs your grease trap needs to be cleaned and pumped or repaired
How can I prevent grease buildup in my trap?
Preventing excessive grease buildup involves training your kitchen staff to scrape plates and pots before washing them and using proper grease disposal methods. Installing grease filters on sinks and dishwashers can also help reduce the amount of grease entering the trap. As mentioned earlier, regular cleaning is the best way to keep things running smoothly.
Do I need a permit to clean my grease trap in Cincinnati?
Cincinnati requires commercial kitchens to maintain their grease traps properly, and the local wastewater authority may conduct inspections to ensure compliance. If you’re hiring a plumber for professional cleaning, they’ll be familiar with the necessary permits and regulations to ensure that the process is done legally and efficiently.
Leave the Mess to the Pros
Cleaning a grease trap is a messy, labor-intensive task that requires proper knowledge, equipment, and disposal practices. At Allied Reddi-Rooter, we’re proud to offer expert grease trap cleaning and maintenance services to restaurants throughout the Cincinnati area. Let us handle the dirty work so you can focus on keeping your business running smoothly. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
Do you own a restaurant or other type of business that requires grease trap cleaning and pumping? If so, you might have some questions you’d like answered before you schedule service.
Grease trap pumping play a key role in making sure restaurants operate smoothly. In fact, a clogged grease pump that needs cleaning or repair can shut down a restaurant entirely. Plus, there is government oversight on the process that monitors if service has been completed. Overlooking it can catch up with restauranters who put this maintenance on the back burner.
That means you need a plumbing professional with the know-how to clean and pump grease traps properly, and a reputation amongst Cincinnati restaurant owners as the best in the business. That’s Allied Reddi-Rooter.
Below are frequently asked questions about grease trap cleaning and pumping. Don’t see your question below? Give us a call. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about grease trap servicing in Cincinnati.
Your advertising states you perform grease trap plumbing. Is this accurate?
While many plumbing companies say they offer grease trap pumping, it’s not necessarily true. Often, it is a service that is listed on their website or in ads to get customers to call so they can try to sell plumbing services they don’t need. Let’s just say it’s a grease trap…. trap.
Our Techs have extensive training and experience servicing grease traps. Not only do we clean and pump grease traps, we also offer grease trap repair and can install new grease trap parts. Plus, every service by Allied Reddi-Rooter is followed up with service documentation for government certification. The government is consistent in their oversight of your grease trap. Allied is too.
How many years of experience does Allied Reddi-Rooter have in grease trap cleaning?
We have more than seven decades of experience pumping and cleaning grease traps. In fact, we’ve been serving Cincinnati restaurants and other businesses for so many years that they’ve become like family. We believe experience really matters. Additionally, we believe in continuing education to stay current on all grease remediation best practices.
I’d like an accurate, firm price on the on the phone. Do you provide this for your customers?
Absolutely. You should never be surprised at the cost of any plumbing service when you’re handed the bill. For about 95% of first time grease trap cleaning and other related plumbing services, we can give you a firm price during the initial phone call. For more complex issues, we’ll do an in-person evaluation and give a firm quote at no cost.
Do you offer emergency service and repair for grease traps? What about service on an as-needed basis?
We know that when there’s a problem with the grease trap at a restaurant, a repair simply can’t wait. That’s why we offer grease trap service 24/7. And while many restaurant owners prefer to schedule regular cleanings, we are happy to provide service and cleaning on an as-needed basis as well.
Will grease trap pumping interrupt my restaurant’s busy schedule?
No. This service should be seamless to your workflow. We’ll schedule grease trap cleaning at a time that is best for your restaurant. Simply put: we work on your schedule, not ours. That’s a big reason why Allied Reddi-Rooter is the plumber-of-choice in Greater Cincinnati for restaurant owners.
Do you subcontract your work?
No. We have a strong, dedicated team of plumbing technicians who are employed with Allied Reddi-Rooter. Since we don’t subcontract work, you can be confident knowing that you will have one, long term team member at your service.
Are you licensed? Do you work with a recognized disposal site?
Great questions! Yes to both. Allied Reddi-Rooter carries all required licenses, and we work exclusively with surrounding county government disposal services.
Do you also provide installation service for failed traps or parts?
Yes. In addition to pumping and cleaning grease traps, we can also install new parts and replace parts when needed.
Are you a full-service restaurant plumber?
Yes. Allied Reddi-Rooter specializes in every aspect of restaurant plumbing service, from bathroom and kitchen plumbing to grease removal. We work with hundreds of regional restaurants and arrive prepared for any service needed.
How can I schedule grease trap cleaning with Allied Reddi-Rooter?
When you’re ready to schedule grease trap cleaning and pumping at your restaurant or business, give us a call, or contact us here. The team at Allied Reddi-Rooter is here to help you with all your grease trap needs. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service. You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask questions. https://www.alliedreddirooter.com/grease-trap-cleaning/
Restaurant owners are used to working from the early morning until long after the sun goes down. Every day is full of surprises, but a blocked grease trap doesn’t have to be one of them. And with Allied Reddi-Rooter in your corner, it won’t be.
For more than seven decades, Allied Reddi-Rooter has been the top plumbing company in Cincinnati for restaurant owners who want to keep their kitchen running smoothly without missing a beat. So, when it’s time for routine grease trap cleaning and pumping, call us.
Why is regular grease trap cleaning and pumping important?
Proper interior and exterior grease tank servicing, which includes both cleaning and pumping the tank, are essential for restaurants so that grease, oils, fats and solids can be removed quickly so they don’t build up.
Once grease and oils solidify, it can block pipes and lead to damage that can pause business until extensive repairs are made. It’s also important to note that most municipal governments require regular grease trap servicing. Simply put, ignoring your grease trap is too big of a risk to take.
Six reasons to choose Allied Reddi-Rooter for grease trap pumping
Seven decades of experience
Actually, make that 72, but who’s counting? The fact is, we have been cleaning and servicing grease traps longer than most other plumbing companies in Cincinnati.
Seamless pumping on a schedule
Our highly trained plumbers will show up on time to clean and pump grease traps, so you can relax and focus on the myriad of other tasks you have to do to keep your restaurant running smoothly.
We pride ourselves on seamless delivery and a job well done. That means that we’ll arrive on time when scheduled and clean and pump traps efficiently. You won’t even know we’re there.
One price only
Worried you’ll be upsold if you schedule a plumbing service to clean and pump traps? You can be confident we won’t try to add any additional plumbing services or repairs. We charge a single, flat price to clean and pump grease traps. No surprises. Ever.
Service 24/7, 365 days a year
If you need your grease traps cleaned and pumped immediately, give us a call. Our plumbers are available for emergency service and repair for restaurants day and night. So, if your grease traps clog hours before you open for breakfast service, we can be there before the first pot of coffee is brewed.
Expert, thorough service
Our experienced technicians will not only clean out your interior grease traps, but they will properly scrape down the walls of the trap, and inspect the condition of the trap, baffles, and cover.
They’ll also recommend the appropriate service frequency based on the condition of those traps. And they will make sure your grease trap cleaning log is updated and provide the proper documentation to the city health inspectors.
A price that can’t be beat
And our grease trap approach is designed to meet both your business and budget needs. We always charge a fair price and guarantee our work.
Don’t put off cleaning and pumping your restaurant grease trap. Instead, schedule a routine visit from the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter by giving us a call or contact us. Your business depends on it. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service. We’re here to help Cincinnati homeowners with all their plumbing needs. You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask questions. https://www.alliedreddirooter.com/grease-trap-cleaning/
If you are a restaurant owner, you know how critical it is to have an excellent plumbing system that can go the distance. Restaurant drains, pipes, and faucets work overtime, and when they need repaired, it simply can’t wait – business (not to mention hungry diners) depends on it. To emphasize, you need Cincinnati’s full-service restaurant plumber.
Restaurant owners in Cincinnati know they can trust Allied Reddi-Rooter with all of their plumbing needs. And we do mean all of them. Take a look at our top plumbing services for restaurants below Learn more in our Restaurant Plumbing pages
Grease trap cleaning and repair
It’s essential for restaurants to have their grease trap and tank serviced regularly so fats, oils and grease don’t clog the pipes, which can lead to a serious problem (and a potentially costly repair). That’s why Allied Reddi-Rooter offers grease trap cleaning for restaurants, dining facilities, and anywhere else there’s a working commercial kitchen.
When we clean your grease traps, we not only scrape build up from the trap, we also perform an extensive inspection to ensure every aspect of your grease trap is working properly. We also update the service log, so you stay in good status with the health department.
Backflow repair
If you suspect that the water is dirty (anywhere in your restaurant) it’s important to contact a plumbing professional. Allied Reddi-Rooter offers backflow cleaning to make sure there’s no water returning to your pipes which can lead to an unsanitary situation. We can also replace your backflow preventer; a mechanical valve that prevents backflow in the first place.
Faucet repair
Think about it: restaurant faucets have a big job to do. Not only are they used throughout service in the kitchen to cook food and clean dishes, but they’re used at the bars, service stations, and in the bathrooms. These specialized faucets require equally specialized, professional care on a regular basis.
We recommend having your restaurant plumbing’s faucet system inspected at least once a year, and in the event that one should need immediate repair, we offer emergency service to keep your business running smoothly.
Drain cleaning
Restaurant drains to triple duty. Not only must they support sinks, dishwashers, and appliances, but they are in constant use, and should they clog, it can wreak serous havoc on your business, especially during a busy time.
We recommend having your drains serviced on a regular basis. At that time, we can inspect the pipes, sinks, and make any necessary repairs. Additionally, we encourage restaurant owners to take advantage of our high-definition drain and sewer line cameras to inspect your building’s plumbing. Learn more.
Sewer line inspection
Restaurants generate a lot of solid waste – from food to grease to wastewater. That’s why the sewer line needs to be maintained by a plumbing professional who can ensure that the line is working properly so that it doesn’t affect your business (as well as others in the building).
Allied Reddi-Rooter is proud to offer restaurant sewer line video inspection, considered the gold standard when it comes to sewer line assessment.
Gas line inspection
When you have an issue with your gas line it’s imperative to get it repaired immediately. Waiting to take care of it isn’t just expensive, it can be downright dangerous. Learn more.
We’re experts when it comes to every aspect of restaurant gas line systems. Give us a call to inspect and service yours.
Allied Reddi-Rooter has been serving Cincinnati restaurants for all of their plumbing needs for more than seven decades. No matter what plumbing problem arises at your restaurant, we have the solution.
Restaurants aren’t the only businesses that require grease trap cleaning and pumping. In fact, grease trap pumping is a must for any business that has a kitchen, and that includes schools, nursing homes and assisted living communities, as well as catering businesses and sports venues. If you’re cooking in a facility that feeds lots of people, at some point you’re going to need your grease trap pumped. And we can help.
Allied Reddi-Rooter is Cincinnati’s grease trap pumping specialist. It’s a service we provide almost daily to local businesses to ensure their kitchens are optimally clean and sanitary. And this, in turn, helps the Cincinnati community stay healthy, so grease doesn’t get trapped in sewer lines and contaminate water.
Why is grease trap pumping important?
Your grease trap has an important job to do. It stops oil and grease from getting into the wastewater that flows through the sewer lines. If the grease trap isn’t working effectively, grease and oil will build up in your kitchen’s pipes and cause serious clogs.
A grease trap, which every professional kitchen should have, catches grease via a series of “baffles.” And these traps have to be cleaned at least every three months. If your grease trap is more than 1/4th full of grease and oil, it’s time for the grease trap to be pumped.
How grease trap pumping works
We begin by pumping the grease and oil from the trap into the tank of an Allied Reddi-Rooter truck. Then, we apply a high pressure wash to remove any excess grease that is still left in the trap.
After the grease trap is clean, we take the truck back to our facility, where the collected grease and oil are processed using a polymer. Then, once in a more solid state, it is filtered through screens. The dry waste that remains is thrown away and the remaining water is safe enough to be released as wastewater.
Tips to keep you grease trap cleaner
Make sure to dry wipe your pots and pans. You’ll want to keep them free of any residual grease that can remain after you give them a rinse and before you put them in a dishwasher. Make sure to do the same with your plates and utensils.
Dispose of cooking safely. In the U.S., we generate 2.5 billion gallons of used cooking oil a year, and it’s important to dispose of it safely. This can be done by chilling the grease in a sealable container and throwing it away with your regular garbage.
Remember to clean your grease traps every four weeks, and clean them before or after business hours so that your customers don’t have to put up with the smell.
Ready for your grease trap to be pumped? Give the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter a call or Contact us . We’ll keep your kitchen safe and clean. We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.
Learn more. Watch our YouTube video.