Commercial Grease Traps Services in Downey, CA and Surrounding Areas

A grease trap that has exceeded its capacity will overflow into your drain system, create sewage backups, produce odors that reach your dining room, and attract the attention of health inspectors and municipal pretreatment enforcement officers. Non-compliance with grease trap requirements is not a citation that gets forgiven. It comes with fines and, in repeat cases, operational shutdown. Downey Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning installs and services commercial grease traps for restaurants, food service operations, and commercial kitchens throughout Downey and the surrounding Los Angeles County communities. Our licensed plumbers (California Contractor License #731172, verified through the California Contractors State License Board) install, inspect, clean, and repair grease interceptors of all sizes and help clients establish service schedules that keep interceptors compliant. We are BBB A+ accredited, 4.8-star rated on Yelp by hundreds of verified customers, and 100% recommended on Facebook. Call 562-646-1221 to schedule grease trap installation, cleaning, or inspection service today.

Why is grease a problem?

Some people think that grease does not present a big problem but large amounts of oil and grease in the wastewater cause clogs in the sewer system pipes. Grease does not seem harmful at first but when it congeals, it accumulates on the surface of settling tanks as well as decreases pipe capacity which may result in a shutdown of wastewater treatment units. That’s why the city authorities require the installation of pretreatment equipment in restaurants and other eating places, usually known as grease traps or interceptors.

Technician was Very Supportive, Very Knowledgeable

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“Technician was very supportive, very knowledgeable in his skills. Showed interest in making sure the customer understands. Went above and beyond to explain my options. Thanks Downey Plumbing!”
- Cheryl S.

What is a Commercial Grease Trap/Grease Interceptor?

A grease trap/grease interceptor is the device applied to influence the separation of grease and oils in wastewater discharges from food service places. There are large grease interceptors that are located outdoors or below the ground and smaller grease traps that are positioned under or near the sink. These units may also be installed in the floor.

Expert Tips
- Joe Keays
Maintaining a clean and efficient commercial grease trap is crucial for a smooth-running kitchen. Just like you wouldn't neglect your car's engine, regular maintenance is key. Schedule routine inspections and cleanings to prevent clogs and foul odors. Educate your staff about proper disposal practices to minimize grease buildup. Remember, a well-maintained grease trap not only ensures compliance with regulations but also extends the lifespan of your plumbing system. Trust our expert team in Downey, CA, to handle all your commercial grease trap needs efficiently and professionally.
- Joe Keays

The words “grease traps” and “grease interceptors” are often used interchangeably, but they use distinctly different methods. Even though they both extract grease from water and function by similar principles, the following are some of their differences:

  • Grease traps are small and installed indoors, near the location where the grease is produced. They can be maintained and cleaned by restaurant workers without requiring any special equipment for cleaning. However, a professional plumber should install them.
  • Commercial Grease interceptors are large, underground units that can contain several thousand gallons and usually serve larger restaurants, factories and grocery stores. It is not that easy to install a grease interceptor – its installation requires special equipment and skills. The grease interceptors have to be cleaned by licensed plumbers who use specialized pumps and hoses.

Passive Grease Interceptors

Passive grease interceptors hold wastewater for quite some time to let the greasy liquid cool, that will allow the grease thicken and separate from water. With the process of cooling down, the grease floats to the top of the interceptor. Then the wastewater without the grease is released into the public wastewater disposal system.

Grease Trap Inspection

Commercial property inspectors

Commercial property inspectors, who inspect food-handling places, can help their clients to understand the operation process of grease traps so that their maintenance would not be ignored. A malfunctioning or clogged grease trap can trigger serious problems not only for the inspected facility, but also for its neighbors and even the local community.

Commercial Grease traps are plumbing devices built to intercept fats, oils and grease (FOG) before they get into a wastewater disposal system. FOG is produced during the cleaning process of pans, plates and silverware that were used for cooking and eating deep-fried foods such as fatty meats, sauces, gravy, dressings, baked items, cheese and butter.

Importance of Regular Grease Trap Cleaning for Businesses

Running a commercial kitchen means dealing with a lot of grease every single day. When grease traps aren’t cleaned on a regular schedule, they stop doing their job, and that can lead to serious problems fast. Slow drainage, foul odors, and even full backups can bring your business to a halt, and no restaurant wants that. Cleaning your grease trap isn’t just about avoiding clogs; it’s about staying in compliance with health codes and keeping your kitchen safe and functional. At Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, we recommend a routine cleaning schedule that’s based on how busy your kitchen is and the size of your trap. Our team helps businesses stay on track by providing dependable service and reminders. Regular cleaning doesn’t just prevent mess—it protects your plumbing, your reputation, and your bottom line.

Emergency Grease Trap Services for Downey Area Businesses

Grease trap emergencies aren’t just inconvenient—they can be disastrous. When a trap fails or backs up, it can shut your kitchen down and put your business at risk of fines or bad reviews. That’s why we offer emergency grease trap services throughout Downey, CA, and surrounding areas. If you notice water backing up, bad smells, or unusually slow drainage, don’t wait—call Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning right away. Our team is equipped with the tools and experience to respond quickly, diagnose the problem, and get things working again. We’ve helped countless restaurants and commercial kitchens get back on track fast. We also help you figure out what caused the issue in the first place so you can avoid it in the future. Emergencies happen, but with the right help, they don’t have to turn into disasters.

At Downey Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning our professional plumbers can install and inspect grease traps at your commercial facilities. Contact our company for further information!

Frequently Asked Questions

A grease trap, also called a grease interceptor, is a plumbing device installed in the drain system of commercial kitchens and food service facilities. It captures fats, oils, and grease before they can enter the municipal sewer system, where they would cause blockages in the public system. Most municipalities require grease traps in food service establishments as part of their pretreatment program.
An unmaintained grease trap fills to capacity and allows grease to pass through into the drain system, causing blockages in your kitchen lines and potentially in the municipal sewer. An overflowing grease trap also triggers complaints from the odor it produces, attracts health department attention, and can result in fines, required cleanouts at your expense, and in repeat cases operational consequences.
The required cleaning frequency depends on your municipality's requirements and the volume of grease your facility generates. Many municipalities require the 25 percent rule, meaning the trap must be serviced before grease accumulation reaches 25 percent of the trap's liquid depth. High-volume operations may require monthly or more frequent service while lower-volume facilities may qualify for less frequent cleaning.
Yes. Downey Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning installs grease interceptors of all sizes for new commercial kitchen installations and to bring existing facilities into compliance. Our licensed plumbers handle all installation work including the connection to the kitchen drain system and the outlet connection to the municipal drain. Permits and inspections are included. Call [phone] to discuss grease trap installation.
Grease trap sizing is based on the drainage flow rate from the kitchen fixtures it serves, typically measured in gallons per minute. Local municipal requirements specify minimum trap sizes for different establishment types. Our team assesses your kitchen's drain configuration and local requirements to determine the correct interceptor size for your facility.
Downey Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning can advise on the documentation and reporting requirements for your municipality and help you understand the compliance schedule. Check with your local sanitation district for specific submission requirements, as these vary by jurisdiction. Call [phone] to discuss grease trap compliance for your facility.
Indoor grease traps are smaller units installed under the kitchen sink or in a nearby floor location, typically serving lower-volume operations. Outdoor grease interceptors are large underground tanks installed outside the building that serve higher-volume operations. The appropriate type and size depends on your facility's grease output and local regulatory requirements.
Yes. Downey Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning repairs damaged grease trap covers, inlet and outlet connections, baffles, and other components. A grease trap that is damaged or not functioning correctly may allow grease to pass through untreated, creating compliance and operational problems. Call [phone] to schedule a grease trap inspection and repair.
Stop using the kitchen drain fixtures connected to the trap immediately to prevent further overflow and potential sewage backup. Call [phone] for emergency service. An overflowing grease trap requires immediate cleaning and inspection to prevent drain system damage and health code violations.
Signs that your grease trap needs service include slow draining from kitchen sinks and floor drains connected to the trap, unpleasant odors from the grease trap area, visible grease appearing in the trap cleanout, and approaching the scheduled service interval based on your cleaning frequency requirements.
Yes. Downey Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning installs and services commercial grease traps for restaurants, commercial kitchens, food trucks with commissary connections, cafeterias, and other food service operations throughout Downey and the surrounding Los Angeles County and Orange County communities. Call [phone] to schedule grease trap service.
Yes. Local sanitation districts enforce grease trap requirements and issue fines for non-compliance, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation depending on the severity and the jurisdiction. Repeated violations can result in escalating penalties and in some cases mandatory facility closure. Consistent maintenance is far less costly than enforcement actions.
In most jurisdictions, yes. New food service establishments are required to install a compliant grease trap or interceptor before receiving operational approval. Downey Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning works with restaurant owners during the build-out process to install the correct grease control device as part of the kitchen plumbing rough-in. Call [phone] to discuss grease trap installation for a new restaurant.
Downey Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning provides upfront pricing based on the size of the interceptor and the scope of service. Call [phone] to schedule a grease trap service appointment and receive a clear estimate.
Yes. Downey Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning works with commercial clients on scheduled grease trap service programs that ensure cleaning occurs at the appropriate interval to maintain compliance and prevent operational problems. Call [phone] to discuss setting up a recurring grease trap service schedule for your facility.

The words out about Downey Plumbing!

“Downey Plumbing is our go-to for all our plumbing needs. We discovered them after another plumber left us stranded. We now use them exclusively and you will too! It is easy to get an appointment, their technicians are professional, friendly and explain the issues in an understandable way. Their prices are great and they don’t upsell or pressure you into anything. Do yourself a favor and call Downey first!!” - Michelle Deziel
“Our water heater went out on the weekend. Downey plumbing was so responsive and the bid came in very reasonable. The tech came out same day and replaced our water heater with very little down time. The job was exactly as quoted. I really appreciated the professionalism of the tech. Thank you Downey plumbing for getting us back up and running, because cold showers are no fun!” - Christine Rankin

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Areas we serve

562-502-8911