For a restaurant, a clogged drain is not an inconvenience. It can mean a flooded kitchen floor during service, a failed inspection or a forced closure. Restaurants, cafes and food trucks in Hollywood and across Broward County deal with far more grease and food waste than any home, so their drains need a different approach. Here is a practical maintenance guide for commercial kitchens.
Why commercial kitchen drains clog
Fats, oils and grease (often called FOG) leave the kitchen as hot liquid and turn solid as they cool in the pipes. Combined with food particles, starch and soap, they form thick deposits that narrow the line day after day. Floor drains also collect debris from mopping, and dish stations send a constant flow of greasy water. When a kitchen line backs up during service, our 24/7 emergency plumber in Hollywood can be there within the hour.
The role of the grease trap
A grease trap or interceptor catches FOG before it reaches the city sewer. When it is pumped on schedule, it protects both your plumbing and the municipal system. When it is overdue, grease passes straight through into your lines, and the trap itself can overflow into the kitchen. Most local rules require regular pump-outs and records of each service, so check the requirements that apply to your location and keep every service receipt. Learn more about our restaurant grease trap cleaning.
A simple maintenance schedule
- Daily: scrape plates and pans into the trash before washing, use sink strainers and empty them often, and keep floor drain covers in place.
- Weekly: check floor drains and dish sinks for slow draining and odors.
- On a regular schedule: have the grease trap pumped based on size and volume. Busy kitchens often need it monthly or more.
- Periodically: have the main kitchen lines hydro jetted to remove the grease the trap does not catch.
- When problems repeat: schedule a camera inspection to find bellies, breaks or heavy buildup.
Recycle cooking oil, never pour it
Used fryer oil should never go into a sink or floor drain. Store it in a sealed container and have it collected by a recycling service. See our cooking oil recycling service.
Why hydro jetting is the standard for restaurants
A cable machine can open a greasy line, but the grease on the pipe walls stays behind and the line clogs again quickly. Hydro jetting scours the full diameter of the pipe and flushes the grease out, which is why it is the go-to method for commercial kitchens.
Warning signs to act on now
- Floor drains that bubble or back up when sinks drain.
- Grease odors in the kitchen or dining room.
- Slow dish sinks even after the strainers are cleaned.
- Water around the grease trap lid.
Commercial drain service in Hollywood, FL
ClogMasters works with restaurants and commercial properties across Hollywood and South Florida, with service after hours so you do not lose a shift. See our commercial drain cleaning and drain cleaning in Hollywood services, or call (754) 215-6280.