GREASE TRAP SERVICES IN CHARLOTTE
CHARLOTTE GREASE TRAP SERVICES
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Charlotte Grease Trap Services Provides Restaurant Grease Trap Cleaning and Maintenance
Why grease traps are important for businesses
The grease trap is an essential component when running a food service establishment.
In a commercial kitchen, plenty of substances like fats, oils, and grease, known as FOGs, are poured down a sink. These substances flow into the community’s drainage system, ending up in the main sewage line. If these FOGs enter the sewer system and grow in large qualities, they can create significant issues.
When left neglected, accumulated FOGs can cause damage to the pipes in the sewage systems. Additionally, it causes an environmental problem. If grease traps do not collect the toxic waste, it can contaminate waterways, including rivers and streams – making it dangerous to drink the water. To prevent this hazard from growing underneath the streets, a grease trap device is installed to collect them.
Charlotte Grease Trap Services offers unmatched indoor and outdoor grease trap services to prevent blockages, inconveniences to your business, and more. As one of the leading grease trap cleaning companies in Charlotte, NC, we provide exceptional 24-hour customer support, hassle-free scheduling, and cost-effective resolutions.
Still in the dark about grease traps? Allow us to explain its function and benefits further.
- Grease Trap Installation
- Grease Trap Cleaning
- Grease Trap Pumping
- Grease Interceptor Cleaning
- Grease Interceptor Pumping
Free Estimates
Free On-Site Consultations
(Yes - we check our messages & will reply)
Our Services:
We Price Challenge Any Licensed Competitor's Written Estimate
Understanding How Grease Traps Work
When you are cooking at home, you probably find it easy to dispose of fats, oils, and greases: just pour it into an empty jar and toss it in the trash. With restaurants, cafeterias, and larger-scale food establishments, the food solids and grease that these kitchens need to dispose of are more extensive in volume. To ensure pipes and drainage systems remain functional and safe, a grease trap or grease inceptor is installed. This device prevents FOGs from entering the sanitary sewer system; therefore, it is essential for commercial kitchen features.
The wastewater with fats, oil, and grease flow from a restaurant’s 3-compartment sink or automatic dishwasher flow into the grease trap. Once the water cools, these substances harden, and the food solids settle to the bottom of the trap while the fats, oils, and grease float and become trapped at the top. The wastewater is then forced out of the holding tank, and the food solids, fats, oils, and grease remain in the grease trap. This continues to grow in volume daily. When overlooked, it can cause major plumbing issues and even grease spill, which results in hefty fines and even mandatory shutdowns, hence why grease trap pumping in Charlotte is required regularly.
Charlotte Grease Trap Services provide a thorough cleaning, maintenance, removal, and legal disposal of accumulated fats, oils, grease, and solid food waste.
Signs your grease trap needs cleaning or servicing
The grease trap is a commonly overlooked component during a restaurant’s cleaning routine. If your business is guilty of this, you may be facing clogged pipes without you knowing.
Here are the signs that indicate your grease trap needs immediate attention so you can have it taken care of quickly:
- Poor drainage and water flow in drains: This is one of the more common signs we find on neglected grease traps. If you notice the water not draining well in your kitchen, it could mean a full grease trap or clogged pipes from grease buildup. That extremely slow-draining sink means your grease trap needs cleaning or a repair.
- Rotten Odors: Grease, solid food waste, slime, and fatty oils break down into bacteria when left to sit for a lengthy period. The obnoxious, horrid smell from the grease trap is a direct indicator your grease trap needs cleaning or repairs.
- Overflowing or frequent clogging: FOGs can accumulate rapidly in high-volume kitchens and lead to continuously overflowing grease traps. When the holding tank cannot pump the grease out quickly from the first compartment, the waste will spill over into the second compartment, clogging the crossover, incoming lines, and outgoing lines. Regular pumping, cleaning, and maintenance reduce the likelihood of this issue.
- Grease spills: If an outdoor grease trap’s lines are clogged up; wastewater and sewage will rise out of the utility hole covers and into the street. If your business is determined as a hazard due to grease spills, you may have to be shut down until necessary repairs are made. Do not wait until you get hit with a fine or a lawsuit from the city; call Charlotte Grease Trap Services right away if you suspect any spills from your outdoor grease trap.
If you encounter any of these red flags, we recommend calling our professional grease trap cleaning services as soon as possible. It is your responsibility as the operator to keep your grease trap in compliance with community standards. Proper maintenance ensures the unit keeps functioning the way it should. Charlotte Grease Trap Services provide regular maintenance, comprehensive inspections, and thorough cleaning of your grease traps. We offer the most effective grease trap cleaning in Charlotte, North Carolina, so your business can keep running without delays and interruptions.
Reasons why your business needs grease trap cleaning in Charlotte, North Carolina
Grease traps are built underneath sinks or underground but do not let its low-profile fool you. When improperly maintained, it can cause:
- Monetary fines and citations
- Foul odors and low air quality
- Complaints from customers and staff
- Backed-up plumbing and flooding issues
- Food contamination
- Health issues
- Pest infestations
- Business interruption and closures
- Costly remediation services
Reliable restaurant grease trap cleaning services from Charlotte grease trap services
Charlotte Grease Trap Services is one of the well-known grease trap cleaning companies in Charlotte, NC. When googling “grease trap service companies near me in Charlotte,” you will find our company on the top of the list. Charlotte Grease Trap Services is your number one choice for all grease trap services in Charlotte, North Carolina.
We value your time. We understand that managing a commercial kitchen can be stressful and hectic. Therefore, we ensure that we work with a schedule that suits your needs and budget.
We offer the following grease trap services in Charlotte, NC:
- Regularly scheduled maintenance: Whether it is routine maintenance or an emergency call, rest assured you will get nothing but high-quality grease trap services from our skilled and reliable team of technicians.
- Meticulous trap cleaning: Unlike other grease trap pumping in Charlotte, NC, our team of experts will not just show up to quickly pump your grease trap then leave. We take the time to clean the system and inspect it for necessary repairs thoroughly. Our comprehensive process eliminates the risk of developing health hazards and foul odors associated with an improperly maintained system.
- Rodding and jetting: We remove all grease and food solids, not just skim the trap, or leave hardened deposits. Whether you have a small indoor under sink grease interceptor or a large underground outdoor grease trap, our industry-standard equipment ensures the most effective trap cleaning process of scraping and cleaning the baffles and rodding out the grease on top of complete evacuation.
- History reports: After each service call, we provide all clients with a detailed report of the performed work and any repairs we find necessary on the grease trap. Having an accurate record of each service call not only allows you to comply with state regulations but keeps you updated on your grease trap’s condition. We also keep a file at our office for five years if you need an extra copy in the future.
- Compliance with Charlotte’s ordinances: Our professional team at Charlotte Grease Trap Services are well-versed and updated on the city/state regulations and grease trap service requirements in Charlotte, NC. We can ensure that the FOGs are correctly recycled. After pumping, we haul your grease trap waste to a licensed disposal facility to avoid fines and penalties.
- On-demand emergency 24/7 cleanup: We understand that the unexpected can happen, so we built a team of professionals committed to hassle-free and quick service response time. At Charlotte Grease Trap Services, we take pride in knowing we can be there for you when you need us.
Does your business need commercial grease trap cleaning services?
Clogged pipes, overflowing grease traps, and plugged drainage lines can be one of the most disastrous, yet preventable, problem any establishment may face. It is devastating for any owner to shut down their restaurant to get the drains and grease trap working correctly. Having your unit regularly maintained will prevent an untimely loss of profit and keep your business up and running.
Charlotte Grease Trap Services is a renowned, licensed service provider who is up-to-speed and proficient with grease trap service requirements in Charlotte, NC. We value integrity, reliability, and excellent service. Having worked with hundreds of Charlotte businesses, we are known for our comprehensive 24-hour customer support, cost-effective solutions, and competitive price points. Our clients include:
- Restaurants
- Cafeterias
- Schools
- Supermarkets
- Hotels
- Country clubs
- Food production facilities
- Manufacturing facilities
- Hospitals
- Stadiums
- Nursing homes
- Event centers
- Shopping malls
- And more
If you have ever searched for grease trap pumping companies near me in Charlotte, you can see Charlotte Grease Trap Services a crowd favorite. We know servicing grease traps is a serious business; rest assured; we give 100% in every service call we make.
The cost of professional grease trap cleaning
Based on the device’s size and condition, pumping, and cleaning a grease trap can cost anywhere between $100 to $1,000.
A small indoor 20-30-gallon under-sink grease trap is typically pumped out on a high frequency every 14-28 days. This would cost less than a 5,000 gallons grease trap that has not been pumped in years or has been neglected and out of compliance.
Not all grease trap service companies in Charlotte, NC, can provide accurate estimates without surprises or unexpected charges. At Charlotte Grease Trap Services, get the job done excellently and hassle-free. If you want a quote for our service, please give us a call, and we will work out an arrangement that suits your schedule, needs, and budget!
Servicing grease traps are important
Over time, a grease trap can emit a rotten smell if the accumulated FOGs in its tank are left untreated. Even if your interceptor is outdoor or underground, the odor can linger around your establishment and negatively affect your customer’s experience, eventually lowering the business’s repertoire.
Additionally, if the tank is left uncleaned, the trapped waste breaks down and releases a very toxic acid that damages the steel and the grease trap walls, leaving you no choice but to get a costly replacement. Not only that, but uncleaned tanks can turn FOGs into a thick hard mass that can become impossible to clean.
When you choose Charlotte Grease Trap Services, you will not find better grease trap cleaning in Charlotte. We ensure out-and-out service and proper disposal to avoid any future plumbing, draining, or odor issues.
We understand the compliance side of your food service business
Every state, city, and municipality have its compliance requirements for handling FOGs in commercial kitchens. You can get a penalty for not having a grease trap installed and not performing adequate or proper maintenance. Suppose the municipality spots a high FOG concentration in the sewers and traces it back to your establishment. In that case, it can cause you to pay hefty fines, postponement of operation, or even cancel the operating license until necessary service or repairs are made.
Finally, it might get tough for you to regain customer confidence and beat competition if you end up having to deal with this embarrassing ordeal. Our skilled and trained staff is well-versed in Charlotte’s ordinances and can reliably offer to pump, clean, and service all types of grease traps according to the local regulations.
Our unique grease trap cleaning process
Grease trap cleaning is a service offered by many grease trap cleaning companies in Charlotte, North Carolina, but our team provides unparalleled service.
Here is why:
- To ensure your grease trap or grease inceptor complies with Charlotte’s regulations, we keep a customized maintenance schedule based on the trap’s size, the amount of grease, volume of kitchen activity, and peak hours your business. This ensures that we can make our service calls hassle-free, on time, and efficient so that your entire system runs appropriately and fines or penalties from the municipality are avoided.
- Our extensive and thorough grease trap cleaning services include removing FOGs, wastewater, hardened solids, and complete waste pumping and scraping of the accessible walls inside the unit.
- Our team of certified technicians will inform you of the necessary repairs that require immediate attention. We thoroughly inspect for clogged or broken tee pipes and excessive grease/solids in the trap. We also check the integrity of baffles and utility hole covers.
- What sets us apart from other grease trap cleaning companies in Charlotte, North Carolina, is our belief in integrity and transparency. We are committed to leaving your property in better condition than when we arrived; that is why we provide a comprehensive manifest report contain the services and procedures we performed in detail. We are known to provide the best grease trap pumping in Charlotte.
- As an eye on protecting the environment, Charlotte Grease Trap Services partners with an authorized toxic waste management facility that ensures proper disposal and recycling of the FOGs.
When you call on Charlotte Grease Trap Services, you will not need to worry about anything. We perform our work to the highest safety standard with the guarantee of quick service, competitive prices, and high-quality grease trap cleaning in Charlotte, NC.
Common questions about grease traps
Why do I need a grease trap?
A grease trap or grease inceptor prevents fats, oils, and grease that come from restaurants, cafeterias, and other foodservice establishments to coat the city’s drainage lines and cause sewer overflows. If your business fails to install a grease trap or neglects proper maintenance, you may be responsible for clean-up costs and property damage if a blockage or overflow occurs.
How do I maintain my grease trap?
You must have a grease trap installed and regularly serviced to prevent headaches that include mandatory shutdowns to costly penalties and even suspension of operating licenses. Here are some steps you can take to ensure proper maintenance of your grease trap:
- Schedule regular cleaning and pumping.
- Watch out for foul, lingering odors: this is a direct indication of an overflow.
- Ensure that your trap is appropriately sized.
- Train your staff to remove as much waste and food solids as possible from the utensils before washing or placing in the dishwasher
- Keep up-to-date records for compliance.
Do not:
- DO NOT pour boiling water into the sink that is connected to the trap. This liquefies the FOGs allowing it to flow into the sewer lines.
- DO NOT connect any high-temperature dishwashers to a grease trap.
- DO NOT put any sort of chemicals, additives, or drain cleaners into a grease trap.
You can easily avoid expensive plumbing bills, embarrassing shutdowns, hefty fines, and repulsive odors by keeping your grease trap adequately maintained. Our team of specialists in Charlotte Grease Trap Services can help you prevent grease trap issues by offering you the best grease trap pumping services in Charlotte, NC.
Is trap grease recyclable?
As the best grease trap cleaning in Charlotte, NC, Charlotte Grease Trap Services, sustainability is our key focus, and we take pride in properly disposing of wastewater and FOGs. It is our mission to keep our people, our clients, and the environment safe. The popular ways of reusing this waste are creating organic fertilizer and product renewable energy such as biofuel. As an ecologically minded company, we strive to protect our environment every day.
What size grease trap do I need?
Commercial grease traps are sized according to a few factors:
- The flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM)
- The waste pipe diameter
- The volume of fixtures draining.
- The grease production rate
- The determined fixture units
Picking the wrong size could lead to back-ups in your drainage systems, possibly shut down from overflows, and eventually losing profit from fines and penalties.
Our highly training technicians in Charlotte Grease Trap Services are experienced at quickly providing you the proper grease trap size for your usage. Our excellent grease trap services in Charlotte ensure that you will not need to spend twice because of the wrong size.
Where can I get a grease trap?
Not all grease traps are created equal. When buying one, several factors are considered, including your capacity needs, location and space limitations, durability, and availability of parts. Therefore, opting for the appropriate grease trap is essential and will save you thousands of dollars down the road. Although we currently do not sell or install grease traps at Charlotte Grease Trap Services, we will be more than happy to guide you through the process so you can be confident in the choices you make.
How often should a grease trap be cleaned and serviced?
A good rule of thumb for any cleaning schedule is everyone to three months. However, it is best to an eye on your grease trap to ensure that when filled with fats, oils, grease, and solids (FOGS), it is time for a pump out. If neglected, the trap becomes ineffective and could lead to spills, overflows, and blockages.
As one of the leading companies for grease trap pumping in Charlotte, NC, Charlotte Grease Trap Services will produce a custom-made schedule according to your availability. We are careful to avoid maintenance visits during peak season so that your grease trap will continuously function without interrupting your successful business.
How to clean a grease trap?
Depending on the size, grease traps are typically cleaned every 4-6 weeks. A neglected grease trap causes toxic waste to enter the sanitary sewer or septic system. These blockages can destroy your business in minutes as you can experience many issues, including shutdowns, penalties, and backups. Sanitizing a grease trap or grease inceptor is a labor-intensive job. It is not only an unpleasant experience but can concur additional costs if performed incorrectly.
Therefore, we recommend that you hire our licensed technicians at Charlotte Grease Trap Services. We provide both the pump and return service, as well as dry pumping service. We recommend the former as it mitigates foul odors, but we can also altogether remove the FOG material along with its accumulated gray water. We are well-versed with Charlotte’s regulations and can ensure that the cleaning service is city code compliant.
Skip the time-consuming research for the “best grease trap pumping Charlotte NC,” our specialists at Charlotte Grease Trap Services can get any job done efficiently and within your scheduling and budget constraints.
Is it okay to pour grease down the drain?
FOGs turn into a thick waxy substance when they cool off. Even if you pour grease down the drain with scalding water, it only takes a few minutes for the fat to solidify and coat the pipes. It becomes a sticky trap that is holding on to debris, which results in spillovers, blockages, and poor drainage in the lines. The standard solution to this would be to acquire professional grease cleaning in Charlotte.
So, what should you do to avoid costly service calls?
If the grease is still hot, pour it into a mason jar or can and toss it in the trash once it cools off. Another excellent method is to wait for the grease to solidify on your pots and pans, then wipe it with a tissue paper and throw it away. This will reduce the probability of FOGs damaging the drainage and sewer system.
As a business owner, I have heard that I am responsible for my grease from cradle-to-grave. What does that mean?
As the owner or operator of a food service business, you are required to comply with Charlotte’s city Code requirements for inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining your grease trap or grease inceptor. Furthermore, it is your responsibility to ensure the FOGs are disposed of correctly. Any deviation from these regulations can cause your establishment hefty fines and penalties.
Working with Charlotte Grease Trap Services gives you peace of mind knowing you have chosen the most competent and ecologically-sound company for grease trap cleaning in Charlotte, North Carolina. At Charlotte Grease Trap Services, we guarantee our clients the best grease trap pumping in Charlotte to ensure your grease management system functions correctly throughout the year.
What are the fines if my grease trap overflows?
Although every city and state have its own set of regulations, overflowing grease traps usually cost about $2,000 per violation each day if not repaired and brought up to speed according to the City Code.
Call Charlotte Grease Trap Services to learn about the sewage and environmental ordinances in your specific area. We can provide the required servicing, recordkeeping, and FOG disposal to avoid shutdowns and penalties.
Can Charlotte Grease Trap Services help with an overflowing grease trap?
An overflowing grease trap will cause toxic waste to spill from the first compartment over to the second one, clogging all crossover, inbound and outbound lines. This prevents your grease management system from flowing correctly and eventually results in blockages and spills.
Routine pumping and cleaning prevent spillovers from occurring, but you may require the assistance of a professional plumbing company to clear a blockage in some cases.
You can positively prevent the likelihood of overflowing grease traps by ensuring you regularly schedule grease trap pumping in Charlotte Grease Trap Services. If you need references on great plumbing companies in Charlotte, we can help you with that as well.
Why does my restaurant smell after my trap was recently cleaned?
The seal around the grease trap’s maintenance hole cover can deteriorate, permitting foul gases to escape and blow into your restaurant. In this scenario, a simple gasket repair solves the problem.
Another factor could be the type of service performed. With pump and return, the FOGs are removed and taken away in a truck, but the separated gray water is returned to the grease trap. In this method, your trap is never allowed to become completely dry.
For the other method, all contents of the grease trap are removed, including the gray water. This leaves your trap bone dry until you start to run liquids into it again, which generally causes a nasty smell.
Unfortunately, if only dry pumping is permitted if that is the only method your Trap Services Company provides service partner provide
We provide the most effective grease trap services in Charlotte to ensure you will not encounter any of this issue afterward.
Do I need a grease trap if I have a grease interceptor?
A grease trap and a grease interceptor essentially function the same but differs in the flow rate of wastewater the unit can manage. A unit with a flow rate of fewer than 50 gallons per minute is considered a grease trap, while grease interceptors have a flow rate of more than 50 gallons per minute. Regardless if you have a grease trap or inceptor, we provide the best grease trap services in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Does Charlotte Grease Trap Services repair grease traps?
We provide a wide range of grease trap services in Charlotte, NC, but unfortunately, grease trap repairs are not one of them. Charlotte Grease Trap Services offers regular and emergency grease trap cleaning, pumping, inspection, and maintenance in Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis, Matthews, Mooresville, NC, and all surrounding areas. On the other hand, we have a list of trusted and professional plumbers that can recommend providing you reliable and quality repairs.
