Commercial Plumbing in Greensboro, NC

Restaurants and food service: Greensboro's FOG rules

City of Greensboro Water Resources has a Fats, Oils and Greases (FOG) Control Policy to keep grease out of the sanitary sewer, where it causes blockages and overflows. It applies to food service establishments that send grease-laden wastewater to the sewer, including restaurants, grocery stores, meat markets, hotels, cafeterias, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, churches and caterers. Key points from the policy:

• Indoor grease traps must be cleaned at least monthly.
• Outdoor grease interceptors must be pumped at least quarterly, with all contents removed. Enzymes and additives don't replace pumping.
• New food service establishments generally need an outdoor grease interceptor of at least 1,000 gallons, approved by the City's Plumbing Inspections Division before opening.
• Cleaning records and pumping receipts must be kept on site for three years and submitted to the FOG Coordinator quarterly, by January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15.

The City's enforceable best management practices also require "No Grease" signs at sinks and dishwashers, written employee training records, and increasing cleaning frequency if a trap is more than half full when cleaned.

Backflow testing for businesses

The City requires an approved backflow preventer on commercial and industrial connections. Devices on fire sprinkler systems and domestic connections must be tested every year by a City-approved certified tester, with results submitted through the City's online portal. Non-residential domestic connections generally need a reduced pressure zone assembly.

Other common commercial work

• Main line and floor drain clogs, often grease-related in kitchens
• Commercial water heaters and booster heaters
• Restroom fixtures, flush valves and urinals
• Leaks in multifamily and office buildings
• Permitted tenant improvements and remodels

Permits

The City of Greensboro issues its own plumbing permits, and plan review applies to plumbing permits. A commercial plumber normally pulls the permit for permitted work.

What affects the cost

Commercial pricing depends on the size and type of building, access, whether work has to happen after business hours to avoid closing, permit and plan review requirements, and equipment needed, such as jetting for grease lines. Ask how the plumber bills before work starts.