Top Grease Trap Cleaning in High Point, North Carolina Ranked

For any restaurant, food truck, or commercial kitchen in High Point, managing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) is a critical operational and legal responsibility. Proper grease interceptor maintenance is not just about preventing clogs in your own plumbing; it's a key requirement of the city's FOG Ordinance designed to protect the municipal sewer system from blockages and overflows. Falling behind on grease trap cleaning can lead to severe backups, unpleasant odors, and significant fines from city inspectors. This guide outlines the local requirements, best practices, and practical considerations for keeping your kitchen compliant and running smoothly.

Zoom Drain

105 Creek Ridge Rd G, Greensboro, NC 27406

Zoom Drain is a drain and sewer service provider based in Greensboro, NC, specializing in residential and commercial plumbing needs. They offer tailored solutions for diverse property types in the area, including grease trap maintenance and advanced drain cleaning techniques. Their services include rooter work, pipe inspections, and the use of specialized treatments like Zoom Jetting® and RootX® herbicide to maintain and restore drainage systems. Zoom Drain serves Greensboro and nearby communities such as Asheboro and Browns Summit. The company emphasizes preventive maintenance to enhance plumbing efficiency and reduce the risk of major repairs.

4.9

225 Reviews

Queen's Septic Tank Service

greensboro

Queen's Septic Tank Service is a family-owned business based in Archdale, NC, serving Greensboro and surrounding areas including Guilford, Randolph, Davidson, and Forsyth Counties. Since 1986, they have provided residential and commercial septic services such as installations, pumping, repairs, inspections, grease trap pumping, and backhoe and light grading services. As a certified Level IV Wastewater System Installer, they offer expertise in septic system care. The company also provides after-hours emergency service for urgent septic needs.

4.9

142 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

4248 Piedmont Pkwy, Greensboro, NC 27410

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides comprehensive residential and commercial plumbing services in Greensboro, NC. Their offerings include floodwater cleanup, sewer and drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, grease trap maintenance, and mold remediation. The company uses advanced equipment like hydro-jetting for drain cleaning and offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues such as burst pipes and sewer backups. Serving Greensboro and surrounding counties, Roto-Rooter leverages deep local knowledge and extensive experience to handle complex plumbing systems effectively.

4.8

1.3k Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

4265 Brownsboro Rd #206, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup offers comprehensive plumbing and water cleanup services in Winston Salem, NC. They serve both residential and commercial clients with a wide range of solutions including sewer and drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, grease trap cleaning, floodwater cleanup, mold remediation, and sewer line inspections and repairs. The company is equipped with advanced tools such as hydro-jetting equipment to handle complex commercial plumbing systems efficiently. Roto-Rooter provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services year-round, addressing urgent issues like burst pipes, sewer backups, and clogged drains. They serve Winston Salem and surrounding communities in Forsyth, Alamance, Randolph, Guilford, Rockingham, Stokes, and Davidson counties.

4.8

441 Reviews

Riddle Septic Solutions.

winston salem

Riddle Septic Solutions is a locally owned, family-operated company based in Winston Salem, NC. They provide a range of septic services including installations, inspections, repairs, pumping, grease trap cleaning, and lift station maintenance for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. The company uses modern techniques such as hydro jetting to maintain and repair septic systems efficiently. Riddle Septic Solutions combines hands-on experience with up-to-date tools to handle routine maintenance and emergency repairs.

4.8

53 Reviews

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Understanding High Point's FOG Ordinance and Local Codes

High Point has specific regulations governing grease control devices for all food service establishments. The local code mandates the installation and proper maintenance of these devices to prevent FOG from entering the public sewer lines ¹. Compliance isn't optional-it's enforced through regular inspections by city officials who will check your maintenance records ^{2 3}.

Key code requirements include:

• Interceptor Types: The city recognizes different systems, primarily gravity grease interceptors (GGIs) and hydro-mechanical grease interceptors (HGIs). Each has distinct maintenance rules.
• Sizing and Installation: New installations must meet the NC Plumbing Code, and external grease traps are often required for new construction or major renovations ^{4 5}. Under-counter units must be located near the source, and external traps require accessible, sealed manholes for service ¹.
• Prohibited Practices: Discharging waste from garbage grinders into a grease interceptor is typically prohibited, as it can overwhelm the system and reduce its effectiveness ⁶.

Required Cleaning Frequency for Compliance

How often you need to schedule grease interceptor service is strictly defined by the type of trap you have and its condition. Adhering to these schedules is the best way to avoid violations.

• Hydro-mechanical Grease Interceptors (HGI): These are typically the smaller, under-sink units. High Point's guidelines, consistent with manufacturer and municipal standards, often require these to be cleaned monthly or when grease and solids accumulate to 25% of the unit's volume ^{1 7}. Kitchens with high-volume frying or grilling may need service even more frequently.
• Gravity Grease Interceptors (GGI): These are the larger, in-ground or external tanks. They must be pumped and cleaned when the combined layer of floating grease and settled solids reaches 25% of the total tank volume ^{1 6}. While this might translate to quarterly or semi-annual service for some, it requires regular monitoring.

The universal rule is to never let a trap become more than 25% full. Proactive, scheduled maintenance based on your kitchen's output is far more reliable than waiting for a problem.

The Inspection Process and Maintaining Records

The City of High Point conducts inspections to ensure compliance with the FOG Ordinance. Inspectors, often from Public Works or the Water Department, will visit your establishment to assess your grease control measures ³.

During an inspection, you can expect officials to:

1. Physically inspect the grease interceptor(s).
2. Request and review maintenance records.
3. Check for any signs of bypass, overflow, or improper discharge.

Documentation is your best defense. You are required to maintain detailed service logs for a minimum of three years ². Each service record should include:

• Date of service
• Company name and technician who performed the work
• Volume of waste removed
• Disposal method and receipt (manifest)
• Observations on the trap's condition

Failure to produce these records or evidence of an overfull trap can result in notices of violation, mandatory corrective actions, and fines ^{1 6}.

Factors Influencing Grease Trap Service Costs

The cost for professional grease trap pumping and cleaning in High Point varies based on several factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively and interpret service quotes.

• Interceptor Size and Type: A small, under-sink hydro-mechanical unit typically costs between $75 and $150 per cleaning ^{8 9}. A large, in-ground gravity interceptor service ranges from $175 to over $300 per pump-out, depending on its capacity ^{10 11}.
• Service Frequency and Volume: Establishments that require monthly service may have different pricing structures than those on a quarterly schedule. The actual volume of grease and solids removed also impacts cost.
• Location and Accessibility: Easily accessible traps with clear lids and ample working space are quicker to service. Traps located in tight corners, basements, or requiring special equipment may incur higher charges.
• Additional Services: Some providers include a full inspection of baffles and components, while others may charge extra. Emergency or after-hours service calls are significantly more expensive than scheduled maintenance.

Investing in regular service is ultimately more cost-effective than facing an emergency plumbing blockage, a sewer backup, or city-imposed fines and mandatory cleanings ¹².

Choosing a Service Provider and Best Practices

Selecting a reliable service provider is crucial for consistent compliance. Look for a company that is licensed, insured, and familiar with High Point's specific municipal codes. They should provide detailed, legible service reports after every visit for your records.

To optimize your grease interceptor's performance and lifespan:

• Scrape, Don't Rinse: Train staff to scrape food scraps into trash or compost before washing dishes. This minimizes solids entering the trap.
• Use Strainers: Install and clean sink strainers to catch food particles.
• Avoid Hot Water and Degreasers: Flushing a trap with hot water or chemical degreasers can liquefy grease, allowing it to pass through the interceptor and re-solidify further down your pipes or in the city sewer, causing worse blockages ¹³.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Don't wait for a problem. Establish a scheduled service plan based on your kitchen's volume and the city's requirements.

By understanding your responsibilities, maintaining meticulous records, and partnering with a professional service, you can ensure your High Point food service operation remains compliant, efficient, and free from costly grease-related issues.

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