Slow and stuck drains are a common nuisance in any commercial kitchen, but sometimes the problem is so severe that it indicates a failing grease trap. If you've tried everything you can think of to clear your kitchen drains and nothing seems to get the job done, it's likely a sign of an overflowing grease trap. You need a qualified expert who can perform professional grease trap cleaning to clear the buildup and restore proper drainage to your Tampa business.
We at Johnny Doan Plumbing have been in the plumbing business since 1969. That means we have more than 50 years of experience when it comes to providing professional services to business owners alike! As a family-owned and operated company, we value treating our customers with dedication and respect. That’s why you can expect 24-hour, high-quality service with fair, flat-rate pricing and much more from us—we are ready to assist you.
Key Signs You Need Your Grease Trap Professionally Cleaned
Your grease trap is a vital piece of plumbing equipment that prevents fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from clogging your business's drain and sewer lines. When the trap becomes full and is no longer able to function properly, it can lead to a host of unsanitary and costly problems that disrupt your operations and violate local regulations. Being able to recognize these signs early is crucial for maintaining a clean and compliant business environment and avoiding an emergency plumbing disaster.
Here are the key signs you need to get your grease trap professionally cleaned:
Foul Odors: A well-functioning grease trap should not have a strong odor. A persistent, rotten-egg or sewage-like smell coming from your kitchen drains or the trap itself is a primary indicator that the FOG and food solids inside are decomposing and need to be removed.
Slow Drains: One of the first signs of a full grease trap is slow drainage. If water from your sinks or floor drains is taking longer than usual to empty, it suggests that the buildup of grease and solids inside the trap is restricting the flow of wastewater.
Grease Backups or Overflow: This is a clear and serious sign of a problem. If the grease trap is completely full, FOG and wastewater will begin to back up into your sinks, floor drains, or even overflow from the trap itself, creating a messy and unsanitary environment.
Visible Grease in Drains: When a grease trap is no longer able to capture grease, FOG can begin to escape into your drain lines. If you notice a visible layer of grease inside your pipes or in other unusual places, it's a sign the trap has reached its capacity.
Pest Activity: Foul odors and the presence of decomposing waste are a perfect recipe for attracting pests. An increase in insects like drain flies or rodents around your kitchen or drains could be a sign that your grease trap is overdue for cleaning and is creating a health hazard.
When It's Been Too Long: According to many city regulations and industry best practices, a grease trap is considered "full" when its FOG and solids content reaches 25% of its capacity. If you cannot remember the last time your grease trap was professionally cleaned, or if it has been more than 90 days, it is time to schedule a service to ensure you are in compliance.
If you observe any of these warning signs, it is highly recommended to contact a professional grease trap cleaning service. A timely cleaning not only prevents major plumbing emergencies but also ensures your business remains compliant with all local health and safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my grease trap be cleaned according to Tampa's regulations?
Grease trap cleaning frequency in Tampa is dictated by the City of Tampa's Grease Management Ordinance, with a minimum requirement of at least once every 90 days. However, the actual frequency depends on the accumulation of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) and solids. City regulations state that a trap must be serviced when the total volume of captured grease and solid material displaces more than 25% of the trap's capacity. It is the responsibility of each facility to monitor this level and schedule services accordingly to ensure continuous compliance and avoid penalties.
How long does the grease trap cleaning service take?
The duration of a professional grease trap cleaning service can vary depending on the size of the trap and the level of buildup. For a standard, well-maintained grease trap, the process of pumping out the contents, scraping the walls, and inspecting the system might take between one to two hours. A more complex job, such as a large grease interceptor or a trap that has been neglected and has significant hardened buildup, can take several hours to complete. A professional company will be able to provide a more accurate estimate after an initial on-site assessment of your specific trap.
What happens if I neglect to have my grease trap cleaned regularly?
Neglecting to have your grease trap cleaned regularly can lead to a cascade of costly and unsanitary problems for your business. The most immediate consequence is a severe blockage in your internal plumbing or sewer line, which can cause drains to back up and flood your kitchen. A neglected trap becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to foul odors that can permeate your business and violate health codes. You also risk non-compliance with Tampa's local regulations, which can result in significant fines and even legal action. Furthermore, a sewer backup caused by your negligence can damage public sewer lines, potentially making your business liable for the expensive repair costs.
Can I use chemicals or enzymes to clean my grease trap myself?
Using chemicals or enzymes to clean your grease trap yourself is not recommended and is often a violation of local regulations. While these products may promise to break down grease, they typically only liquefy it, allowing it to move further down the pipe before solidifying again and creating a larger, more severe blockage. This practice can lead to a false sense of security while pushing the problem downstream and potentially damaging public sewer lines. The only truly effective and compliant method is professional cleaning, which involves pumping out and completely removing all the FOG and solid waste from the trap. A professional service ensures the waste is properly disposed of and that your business remains compliant with all regulations.
At Johnny Doan Plumbing, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.
"Hands down the best plumber in town"
I've had problems as long as I've lived in this house - I've made calls no less than 3 times this year for backups with my plumbing and it turns out a tree root took out my plumbing and the guys from Johnny Doan Plumbing were finally able to find the problem and resolve it. I've had 3 other plumbers out here for this same problem - and none of them were able to fix it properly, so every other month, when I flushed the toilet, it would back up - and never knew why it kept happening. Glad to know there are pros that know what they are doing - hands down the best plumber in town.
- Ashley R.
"They came out on time and got it done"
I had a leak in my shower tub, called all over, everyone i talked to couldn't come out on the same day, then I called Johnny Doan Plumbing and they came out on time and got it done, no dragging their feet just got right to it the way it should be, they also fixed something else for me. I would recommend them, straight up honest at pretty reasonable price. Thanks!
- Marco G.
"Can always rely on them!"
Great service. They had to fix something someone else had messed up. Can always rely on them!
- Kathy R.
"Thanks for all the years of loyal service!!"
Johnny Doan plumbing has done our plumbing maintenance work at Plummers’ Family Restaurant for over 35 years. We recommend their plumbing service to all our friends that patronize our business on a regular and daily basis. Do I feel confident recommending their services to our friends and family? Absolutely, yes. Their business like our business is family owned and operated for many years in Seffner. Give their services a try. They are an amazing family. We are Plummers by name, they are plumbers by trade. Remember, call them for your plumbing needs. Thanks for all the years of loyal service!!!!!!
- Patricia M.
"The most professional plumber that I have dealt with"
My water heater wasn’t producing enough hot water. I was considering getting a tankless electrical water heater.
They came out and examined my heater. He determined that it had been installed incorrectly. I thought I needed a new heater but I didn’t. It was a very simple fix and he saved me a lot of headache and money. This is the most professional plumber that I have dealt with and I highly recommend this company.
- Satisfied Customer
"High level of knowledge in plumbing"
We had our kitchen remodeled by Home Depot and they subcontracted to Johnny Doan Plumbing and they did such a good job with the plumbing work that we called them back to provide a quote on several plumbing projects around our 1979 built house. When the guy came out to review the work to be performed, he was very professional and quickly provided a fair estimate on the same day. The guys that came out to do the work called ahead to let us know they were coming and they were both professional and courteous. The work they performed was high quality and showed their high level of knowledge in plumbing. I have to call out Tucker, Austin, and Kyle for the great work they did for us. I would highly recommend Johnny Doan Plumbing.
- Satisfied Customer
"He truly cares about his work and his customers"
Jimmy came out to check out my water heater. He explained everything very thoroughly and clearly so that I could understand. This is a very professional company. They sent a professional to come and fix my issue for a very good price. The other companies didn’t even know what the issue was. I had spoken to 4 other plumbers before him and I highly recommend working with Johnny Doan Plumbing. He truly cares about his work and his customers.
- Sean H.
"I had a lot of work for them to do and they did it all perfectly"
These guys did a great job. I had a lot of work for them to do and they did it all perfectly. They cleaned up all their debris and trash and took it away, too. Will definitely hire them again.
