5 Drain Cleaning Tips For Restaurants

Plumber fixing drain pipe

Apr 1, 2025

Uncategorized

Restaurants rely on efficient drainage systems to handle the constant flow of water, grease, and food waste from sinks, dishwashers, and floor drains. Clogged drains can lead to foul odors, health code violations, and even temporary closures. To fix these issues, call a commercial plumber that uses specialized techniques and advanced equipment to provide reliable and lasting solutions. 

Hydro Jetting for Deep and Thorough Drain Cleaning

One of the most powerful solutions in a commercial plumber’s arsenal is hydro jetting, a high-pressure water cleaning method that removes grease, food debris, and mineral buildup inside drainpipes. Unlike traditional snaking, which only punctures through blockages, hydro jetting scours the entire pipe interior, preventing residue from accumulating again.

Why Hydro Jetting is Essential for Restaurants:

  • Effectively clears years of grease buildup that accumulates from daily cooking.
  • Removes bacteria and sludge that cause foul odors.
  • Prevents recurring drain clogs and backups.
  • Reduces the risk of emergency plumbing issues that could disrupt restaurant operations.

Because hydro jetting is both highly effective and environmentally friendly, most professional plumbers recommend scheduling this service at least twice a year for high-volume restaurants.

Grease Trap Cleaning and Maintenance to Prevent Blockages

A restaurant’s grease trap is a critical component of its drainage system, designed to prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the sewer line. Over time, grease traps can become overloaded, leading to backups, slow drainage, and health code violations.

A commercial plumbing team ensures grease traps function efficiently by:

  • Pumping out accumulated grease and waste to maintain capacity.
  • Scrubbing and flushing the trap to remove hardened grease deposits.
  • Inspecting for cracks, leaks, or improper installation that could cause inefficiencies.
  • Ensuring compliance with local plumbing codes and regulations.

Neglecting grease trap maintenance can result in severe plumbing issues and costly fines from health inspectors. Restaurants should have their grease traps cleaned every 30 to 90 days, depending on usage.

Enzyme-Based Drain Treatments for Continuous Grease Control

Instead of relying on corrosive chemical drain cleaners that can damage pipes, professional plumbers may use enzyme-based treatments as a preventive measure against buildup. These treatments introduce bacteria and natural enzymes into the drainage system to break down organic waste, including grease, food particles, and starches.

Benefits of enzyme-based drain treatments:

  • Keeps pipes free of grease accumulation without damaging the plumbing system.
  • Extends the lifespan of restaurant drains by preventing corrosive damage.
  • Reduces unpleasant odors caused by decomposing organic matter in pipes.
  • Safe for the environment and compliant with restaurant plumbing regulations.

When used as part of a restaurant’s ongoing drain maintenance plan, enzyme treatments help maintain optimal drainage efficiency without the need for emergency interventions.

Drain Snaking for Immediate Blockage Removal

Despite regular maintenance, occasional drain clogs can still occur due to food scraps, solid waste, or excessive grease buildup. When this happens, commercial plumbers use drain snaking to clear obstructions quickly and effectively. A motorized auger or drain snake is inserted into the pipe to break apart clogs and pull out debris.

When drain snaking is necessary:

  • If grease has solidified and is blocking drain flow.
  • When food debris or foreign objects (such as napkins or straws) become lodged in the pipes.
  • If slow drainage is affecting dishwashing stations or kitchen sinks.

While drain snaking is an excellent solution for minor blockages, it is often used in conjunction with hydro jetting to fully clean the pipes and prevent repeat issues.

Regular Plumbing Inspections and Preventive Maintenance 

A proactive approach to drain maintenance is the most effective way to avoid costly repairs and unexpected downtime. Professional plumbers provide comprehensive drain inspections and maintenance plans tailored to a restaurant’s unique needs.

What professional drain maintenance includes:

  • Video Camera Inspections: Advanced cameras are inserted into the pipes to identify hidden blockages, cracks, or buildup.
  • Routine Drain Flushing: High-pressure water flushing removes early-stage buildup before it leads to clogs.
  • Scheduled Preventive Maintenance: Customized maintenance plans ensure drains remain clear year-round.

By investing in professional drain maintenance, restaurant owners can prevent major plumbing issues, avoid emergency repair costs, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Plumber checking drain pipes

The Importance of Regular Drain Cleaning in Restaurants

Restaurant drains and drain lines in a busy commercial kitchen can quickly become clogged, leading to serious drainage system failures. Plumbing problems with commercial kitchen drains can cause water backups, wet floors where employees risk slipping, and even sewer gases. 

Bar sinks, garbage disposals, and hot water usage add to the strain, making routine maintenance essential to keep operations running smoothly. Regular professional drain cleaning helps prevent costly repairs, ensures a hygienic environment, and keeps your business compliant with health codes.

Preventing Clogs and Backups

Regular maintenance, including hydro jetting and enzyme-based treatments, ensures that drains remain clear and functional, preventing emergency plumbing and drain issues that could disrupt service.

Maintaining a Hygienic Kitchen Environment

Professional drain cleaning removes organic buildup, eliminates odors, and prevents the growth of harmful pathogens. By keeping drainage systems clean, restaurants can uphold high sanitation standards.

Compliance with Health Regulations

Local health departments have strict plumbing and sanitation requirements for restaurants. Regular drain cleaning helps restaurants stay in compliance with health codes, ensuring long-term efficiency and peace of mind.

Why Choose Our Experienced Commercial Plumbers for Your Restaurant Plumbing Issues

When it comes to commercial plumbing in South Florida, Coastal Commercial Services stands out as the premier choice for restaurant drain cleaning and other plumbing needs. With over 20 years of experience, our team of highly skilled professionals delivers high quality plumbing solutions designed to keep your business running smoothly. 

Whether you operate a restaurant, school, retail store, or office building, we are committed to providing reliable, customer-centric plumbing services customized to your specific needs.

Reliable Commercial Plumbing When You Need It Most

A clogged drain or plumbing failure can severely impact your restaurant’s operations, leading to health code violations, unsanitary conditions, and lost revenue. Our skilled plumbers specialize in restaurant drain cleaning, ensuring your kitchen’s grease traps, sinks, and drainage systems function properly. 

We use advanced techniques such as hydro jetting and video sewer inspections to quickly identify and resolve issues, minimizing downtime and preventing future problems. Beyond drain cleaning, we offer a full range of commercial plumbing services, including:

  • Emergency plumbing repairs
  • Leak detection and repair
  • Sewer line inspections and maintenance
  • Water heater installation and servicing
  • Backflow testing and prevention
  • Natural gas piping
  • Commercial repiping
  • Sewage backup repairs

A Highly Qualified Team Available 24/7

At Coastal Commercial Services, we understand that plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address issues as soon as they arise. Whether you are dealing with a burst pipe, severe leak, or malfunctioning water heater, our licensed plumbers respond quickly to restore your plumbing system and prevent costly disruptions.

A Commitment to Excellence and Customer Satisfaction

Founded in 2010 by Nathan Hobby, Coastal Commercial Services is a family-owned and operated business built on trust, skill, and reliability. With a group of highly dedicated employees, we take pride in delivering exceptional plumbing solutions for businesses throughout South Florida. Our team stays up to date with industry advancements, ensuring we provide innovative and efficient services for your business needs.

Choose the Proven Commercial Plumbers for Your Restaurant

When you choose Coastal Commercial Services, you are choosing a team that prioritizes quality workmanship, customer satisfaction, and reliability. Reach out to us today for any plumbing assistance you need for your restaurant. To schedule a service, call us 24/7 at (772) 341-0094 or contact us online.