Restaurant drain jetting and Georgia health code: what you need to know.
The Georgia Department of Public Health and local county health departments regulate food service operations, including requirements around grease trap maintenance and drain system condition. A blocked or inadequately maintained drain system can trigger health code violations, required corrective actions, and in serious cases, forced closure. Understanding the requirements — and how drain jetting fits into compliance — is part of operating a food service business in Georgia.
Grease trap requirements in Georgia
Georgia food service regulations require grease traps or grease interceptors for commercial kitchens above certain volume thresholds. Grease traps must be maintained — pumped regularly to remove captured grease — and the pumping must be documented. Local county health codes may have additional requirements.
Grease trap maintenance and drain line jetting are separate services. The trap captures grease before it enters the drain lines; the drain lines accumulate grease that gets past the trap and need periodic jetting regardless of how well the trap is maintained.
What health inspectors look for in your drain system
Health inspectors are looking for drains that are functional, free of backup, and not a contamination risk. A slow drain or backup during or before an inspection can result in required corrective action before reopening. A floor drain backing up during service is a health code violation in most jurisdictions.
Using drain jetting for compliance
A proactive jetting schedule — quarterly for high-volume operations, semi-annually for moderate-volume kitchens — keeps drain lines functional and ahead of any buildup that might cause a backup during inspection. The camera inspection footage from each service is documentation of drain line maintenance that can be made available to inspectors.
What to do if you have a drain issue before an inspection
Call 678-799-4389. We offer same-day response for commercial drain emergencies across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. We understand that a restaurant cannot wait for a next-week appointment when a health inspection is scheduled.
Call Sunburst Environmental at 678-799-4389 for same-day service across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, or request a free estimate online.