Commercial kitchen blocked drains can slow service, cause odours and even force a closure, so prevention is worth the effort.
A blocked drain in a commercial kitchen is more than an inconvenience. It can slow service, create odours, cause overflow onto floors and, in the worst case, force a temporary closure. Most kitchen blockages are preventable with good habits and regular maintenance.
Common causes
Fats, oils and grease
Fats, oils and grease (FOG) are the biggest culprit. They go down the drain as liquid, then cool and stick to the inside of pipes. Over time, layers build up and narrow the pipe until water can barely pass. Food scraps and detergent residue stick to it and make the blockage worse.
Food scraps
Rice, pasta, coffee grounds, vegetable peelings and bones can all collect in pipes and traps. Even small amounts add up in a busy kitchen.
Other items
Paper towels, cleaning cloths, gloves and packaging occasionally make their way down floor wastes and sinks, especially at the end of a long shift.
Grease traps and trade waste
Many commercial kitchens have a grease trap, which is designed to catch grease before it enters the sewer. A trap only works if it is emptied and cleaned regularly. A full trap can let grease through, or cause smells and backups. Businesses should follow their local water authority’s trade waste requirements, including approvals and trap servicing, and check with them if they are unsure what applies to their premises.
Preventing blockages
- Scrape plates and pans into the bin before washing.
- Fit and clean sink strainers and floor waste baskets.
- Collect used cooking oil in containers for proper disposal, never pour it down a drain.
- Wipe greasy pots and trays with paper before washing.
- Keep grease traps cleaned on a schedule suited to your kitchen’s volume.
- Train new staff on what can and cannot go down the drain.
- Report slow drains early instead of waiting for a complete blockage.
Jetting and CCTV
When a drain is already blocked or running slowly, a plumber may use high-pressure water jetting. It scours grease and debris off the pipe walls, which is more effective than a simple rod that can punch a hole through a blockage and leave the rest behind.
CCTV drain inspection uses a small camera to look inside the pipe. It shows what is causing the blockage and whether there are cracks, collapsed sections, tree roots or poor grading. A camera inspection can also confirm that jetting has cleaned the line properly. Read more about our drain services.
Scheduled maintenance
For a commercial kitchen, regular drain cleaning is usually cheaper and less disruptive than emergency call-outs. A busy restaurant may need more frequent cleaning than a small cafe. A plumber can look at your pipe layout, trap, menu and volume and suggest a schedule. Keep a record of cleaning and trap servicing dates so you can show them if asked.
Warning signs
- Water draining slowly from sinks or floor wastes
- Gurgling noises from drains
- Persistent bad smells
- Water backing up in other fixtures
If you notice any of these, act early. A small problem addressed on a quiet afternoon is far easier than a flooded kitchen in the middle of the dinner rush.
Preventing commercial kitchen blocked drains
The best way to prevent commercial kitchen blocked drains is regular grease trap pumping and scheduled jetting. In addition, train staff to scrape plates into the bin. Urban Utilities sets trade waste rules in Brisbane, and our commercial drain team can help.
Is your kitchen drain slow or overdue for cleaning? Call The Plumbing Gang on 1300 671 525 or see our commercial plumbing services.