When a kitchen drain backs up during service, a restaurant should stop sending water to the affected drains, keep wastewater away from food and food-prep areas, and call for drain help as soon as possible. Trying to keep cooking around a backup can spread the problem and put food safety at risk.
Busy commercial kitchens send a lot of water, grease and food waste down their drains. When a line stops flowing in the middle of a shift, managers have to make quick choices. A simple plan can help staff stay safe and limit the damage.
First Steps for Kitchen Staff
Have staff stop using the sinks, dishwasher and floor drains that are backing up. If several drains are involved, it may be wise to pause all water use until someone checks the system.
Move food, clean dishes and supplies away from any area where wastewater is rising. Any food or surface that may have been touched by drain water should be kept separate until it can be dealt with under your food safety plan. Staff should avoid direct contact with the water and wash their hands well with soap and clean water after any accidental contact.
Wet kitchen floors are slippery, so block off the area if you can. Keep water away from electrical equipment and outlets.
Why Restaurant Drains Back Up
Grease is one of the most common reasons commercial kitchen drains slow down or block. It can harden inside lines over time, especially when food scraps and other debris cling to it. A grease trap or interceptor that is full or not working as intended may also play a part.
Other possible causes include solid waste going down floor drains, a blockage in a line shared with other parts of the building, or a problem farther down the drain system. The real cause depends on how the kitchen and building are plumbed, and it takes an on-site check to know.
What to Avoid in the Moment
Do not pour chemical drain products into a backed-up commercial drain. They can splash, give off fumes and make things more dangerous for the plumber who clears the line. Never mix cleaning chemicals. Staff also should not open cleanouts or take apart drain lines, since that can release wastewater into the kitchen.
Planning Ahead
After the line is clear, it can help to talk with the plumber about what caused the backup and how to lower the chance of another one. Keeping grease out of sinks, scraping plates into the trash and keeping up with grease trap service may all help. In a Bronx mixed-use building, let the landlord or building manager know about the backup, since shared lines may be involved.
If your kitchen drain backs up during a shift, call (929) 209-6183 for help with an urgent drain blockage. We are available 24/7 for Bronx restaurants and businesses.
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