3 Steps to Inspect Your Grease Trap

Admin • July 11, 2019

Modern Kitchen Restaurant — Meridian, MS — Roto-Rooter Plumbers

Commercial kitchens produce a lot more grease, fat, and oil than a residential kitchen. These products can wreak havoc on the plumbing system, which services not only the commercial kitchen itself but also other businesses down the line.

Grease, fat, and oil that solidifies once it has entered drainage pipes can create blockages that may lead to serious structural damage and compromised plumbing performance. Grease traps help these materials bypass drainage pipes so that anything that might clog up the plumbing can be safely contained.

Grease traps are so vital to municipal safety that inspectors routinely visit commercial kitchens to determine if their grease traps are functioning properly. You can rely on the services of an experienced plumbing company to inspect and clean out your grease traps in preparation. This will identify problems early so that you can avoid grease trap issues that could cost you later.

1. Check the Trap's Capacity

Grease traps come in many different sizes. These size variations let you invest in the grease trap that will meet your waste disposal needs, but it also means that you need to carefully monitor the growth of your commercial kitchen so that you can upgrade to a larger grease trap when necessary.

You will need to factor in the flow rate per minute of any fixtures or appliances that drain into your kitchen's plumbing. This includes regular sinks, pot-washing sinks, and dishwashers. A grease trap that is too small will allow clog-forming solid waste to leak out into drainage pipes. A grease trap that is too large will allow for the creation of hydrogen sulfide within the storage tank.

Hydrogen sulfide can convert into hydrochloric acid over time, and this acid can damage any metal pipes or plumbing valves located downstream from your kitchen. A septic company can evaluate the size of your grease trap relative to your disposal needs so that you can avoid sizing issues.

2. Evaluate Your Flow Restrictor

The mix of water and air entering the grease trap must be regulated to ensure proper performance. If too much water enters the grease trap at any given time, the trap may become overwhelmed and allow dangerous fats, greases, and oils to enter the drainage pipe.

A flow restrictor keeps water and air ratios in check. This restrictor can malfunction if the grease trap gets too full, however. The restrictor hole and the vent could clog up, which will require disassembly to clean properly.

A septic professional can check the fill level in your grease trap during an inspection to determine if a thorough cleaning is needed. These professionals can also replace your plastic flow restrictor with one that has a solid metal inner wall. Metal is less likely to corrode or deteriorate than plastic, making these types of flow restrictors more reliable over time.

3. Check for Damage

You could face hefty municipal fines if an inspector identifies any damage to your grease trap. It's better for you to spot damage on your own so that you can invest in repairs before the inspector comes by. A professional grease trap cleaning and inspection can help with this task.

The most common types of damage that plague grease traps are leaks caused by cracks in the trap walls. A septic professional can spot these cracks and replace the trap to avoid contaminating your plumbing with grease, fat, or oil.

Caring for your grease trap is one of the most important things you can do to keep your commercial kitchen running efficiently. Contact Roto-Rooter Plumbers to set up a grease trap inspection and cleaning today, before the inspector arrives.

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Signs You Need Sewer Line System Cleaning | Laurel, MS

June 11, 2025

If you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager in Jones County, sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS , should be on your radar. Your sewer line plays a critical role in keeping your plumbing running smoothly. However, many residents overlook the early signs of trouble until it’s too late and costly repairs follow. Don’t wait until raw sewage backs up into your yard or home. Instead, learn how to identify the red flags and act fast to protect your property and your wallet. Spot the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late When it comes to plumbing, early detection is your best defense. Some of the most common warning signs that you may need sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, include Slow-Draining Sinks and Tubs: If your water takes longer than usual to drain, a blockage could be forming deep in your sewer line. Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains may mean waste is not being carried away properly. Gurgling Toilets: Strange bubbling sounds after flushing are a sign of trapped air due to clogs or blockages. Frequent Backups: Repeated toilet or drain backups signal a serious obstruction that needs immediate attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to full pipe blockages, property damage, and even health hazards. For reliable sewer line cleaning in Laurel, MS, turn to the trusted team at Roto-Rooter Sewer and Septic Services . Why Early Detection and Cleaning Matter Waiting until your system fails can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, helps maintain the integrity of your pipes and keeps your household safe from unsanitary conditions. At Roto-Rooter, we use advanced camera inspection tools to pinpoint problems without invasive digging. This technology allows our certified technicians to see exactly where and what the problem is so they can resolve it quickly and efficiently. Roto-Rooter: Your Local Sewer Line Experts Locally trusted and backed by decades of experience, Roto-Rooter Sewer-Drain Service is your go-to for professional sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS. We’re proud to serve the Laurel community with fast, friendly service that gets the job done right the first time. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and routine maintenance, and we use the latest technology to ensure accurate, efficient solutions. Whether you're dealing with a minor clog or a major blockage, we’re equipped to handle it all with expertise and care. How Camera Inspections Make Sewer Line Cleaning Smarter Modern diagnostic tools, like sewer camera inspections, have revolutionized how professionals detect and solve plumbing issues. Instead of relying on guesswork or invasive digging, technicians can now feed a waterproof camera into the sewer line to get a real-time, high-resolution view of what's happening inside your pipes. This allows for accurate identification of clogs, cracks, tree root intrusions, or buildup, pinpointing the problem's exact location. For homeowners in Laurel, this means quicker diagnoses, less disruption, and more effective sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, ensuring your plumbing system gets the precise treatment it needs. If you’re noticing any warning signs, or if it’s been a while since your last inspection, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule your cleaning. Let us help you keep things flowing smoothly and avoid costly surprises down the road!