Maintaining Grease Traps: The Role of Hydro Jetting in Restaurants

Grease traps are designed to catch fats, oils, and grease before they move deeper into the system, but they only work when maintained properly. When pipes back up, both the kitchen and dining floor feel the disruption immediately. Many kitchens rely on routine pump-outs and overlook the buildup that forms farther down the line. That’s where professional drain cleaning services make a real difference. Restaurants benefit from our drain cleaning in Arlington, VA, keeping pipes clear so service stays on schedule and operations continue without interruption.

Why Grease Traps Fail Without Proper Pipe Care

Grease traps capture and separate fats, oils, and grease from wastewater before it enters the plumbing system. Over time, residue sticks to pipe walls and narrows pipe diameter. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that fats, oils, and grease cause about 47% of sanitary sewer overflows nationwide. Inside a restaurant, that buildup often shows up first as a clogged drain that disrupts prep sinks, dish areas, or floor drains during peak hours.

The Role of Snaking in Grease Management

Drain snaking can clear immediate blockages and is useful for food scraps, or isolated clogs in kitchen lines. Grease, however, tends to cling to pipe walls, and snaking may leave a thin layer behind that rebuilds over time. Hydro jetting complements snaking by washing the entire pipe interior, removing grease and residue that snaking cannot reach.

How Hydro Jetting Clears What Grease Traps Miss

When buildup goes beyond the trap, hydro jetting becomes the most effective option. This method uses high-pressure water to wash grease, food particles, and soap residue off the full pipe interior. Unlike surface-level methods, hydro jetting restores the pipe to near-original diameter without the use of caustic or corrosive chemicals. For busy kitchens, that means faster flow and fewer surprise shutdowns tied to hidden grease layers.

Building a Real Maintenance Plan for Restaurants

A reliable schedule looks beyond the trap and into the full line. Working with a drain cleaning company that understands restaurant use patterns helps match service timing to actual grease output. High-volume kitchens may need more frequent pipe cleaning than pump-outs alone suggest. This approach keeps water moving at a steady pace throughout long service days.

Grease Trap and Pipe Cleaning FAQs

How often should restaurant pipes be cleaned beyond the grease trap?

For many kitchens, hydro jetting once or twice a year works well, though heavy frying operations may need more frequent service. The goal is to remove buildup before it narrows the line enough to slow drainage during rush periods.

Can grease cause issues even if the trap is serviced on time?

Yes. Even with routine pump-outs, grease can pass through in small amounts and collect downstream. That hidden buildup often leads to a clogged drain weeks later if the lines themselves are not addressed.

Are chemicals a good substitute for professional cleaning?

Store-bought products rarely remove grease coating the full pipe wall. Professional drain cleaning services rely on water-based methods that clean thoroughly without adding residue that can attract more grease.

Your Partner for Grease Trap and Pipe Maintenance

We have supported Northern Virginia kitchens since 1984 as a family owned and operated company. We provide a free 2nd opinion for underground repairs, extended warranties, and $50 off for new plumbing and drain clients. Call The Pipe Doctor Plumbing & Drain to take advantage of upfront pricing, extended warranties, and consistent service your kitchen can rely on.