Common Issues with Restaurant Drains

Restaurants are busy, bustling environments and if you own or manage one, you’ll likely be juggling many duties, leaving little time to focus on one crucial aspect — your drainage system. 

Neglecting proper maintenance of your drains can lead to severe issues that could impact both the hygiene and smooth operation of your establishment. Fortunately, the experts at 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services are here to provide assistance and ensure your drains are in top condition.

Why is proper drainage important in restaurants?

Whilst an effective drainage system is vital in every property, it’s especially crucial in a fast-paced environment like a commercial kitchen. A successful restaurant can serve hundreds of people in a day, and this translates to a considerable amount of cutlery, plates and utensils that must be washed. An inefficient drainage system could become overwhelmed, resulting in unsanitary conditions.

Furthermore, if the drains in your restaurant are blocked, this can cause a foul odour to emanate throughout your dining space. Undoubtedly, the stench of clogged drains is the last thing anyone would want to experience whilst enjoying a nice meal, so this is likely to have a detrimental impact upon your business. 

Blocked drains can also be a health hazard, attracting flies and other pests that may carry harmful bacteria, posing a risk to both customers and employees alike. Not only can this tarnish your restaurant’s reputation, but it puts you at risk of violating health laws, potentially resulting in substantial fines or, in severe cases, your establishment being shut down entirely.

What causes drainage issues in restaurants?

Food waste: During peak periods, a commercial kitchen can be an extremely hectic environment with numerous plates passing in and out. This means that sometimes, perhaps unwittingly, food may end up going down the drain. Even the smallest morsels can become lodged in your U-bend and form the beginnings of a clog. As food waste accumulates, this can cause a total blockage of your pipes.

Oils and grease: Commercial kitchens generate an abundance of cooking oils, fats and grease. If improperly disposed of, this is by far the biggest culprit in restaurant drainage issues. Once the fats have cooled, they will solidify in your pipe, causing it to become blocked.

Lack of maintenance: Like any drainage system that experiences frequent use, it’s vital to ensure your restaurant drains are maintained on a regular basis. Neglect of routine maintenance can lead to minor issues going unnoticed and, once these worsen, you may be left with a costly repair bill. Here at 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services, we can provide regular commercial drain maintenance to ensure your drainage system remains in top condition.

So, how do you avoid restaurant drainage issues?

Training: It might be the case that your staff are unaware of their role in preventing drain blockages, and they may be inadvertently worsening the situation. Ensure all employees are fully trained in how to dispose of food waste, emphasising the importance of using designated bins for food scraps and grease.

Grease traps: Proper use of grease traps is essential to ensure that your drains don’t become obstructed by oils and fats. These traps are designed to intercept greasy substances before they enter the wastewater disposal system, whilst also allowing clean water to flow through.

CCTV drainage survey: If you’ve noticed an issue with the drains in your restaurant, it’s crucial to rectify it as quickly as possible. However, this can be tricky if you’re not sure exactly what’s wrong. Using a high-tech CCTV camera, a CCTV drainage survey will provide real-time footage of your pipework. This means that our experts can identify the source of any blockages without the need for a costly excavation, allowing you to take prompt action.

Use a reliable drainage contractor: When you employ the services of a reliable drainage contractor, such as 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services, you’re sure to receive a high-calibre service that will ensure your commercial drains are kept in pristine condition. We understand how vital an efficient drainage system is for keeping your restaurant running smoothly; that’s why we offer 24/7 emergency services, for instant support at any time of the day or night.

Here at 1st Call Drain Clearance & Technical Services, we offer a number of drain unblocking and cleaning services to restaurants and other commercial customers across Central London, Brentford and beyond. We boast over 25 years of industry experience and our skilled team can perform CCTV drain surveys that are sure to swiftly identify the source of any blockage within your drainage system.

Contact our friendly team today to book an appointment or discuss your needs in more detail.