5 Common Plumbing Problems That Can Shut Down Your Restaurant (And How to Prevent Them)

Running a successful restaurant in Lancaster, Pickerington, or Reynoldsburg, Ohio means juggling food quality, staff management, and guest experience — but one plumbing problem can bring everything to a screeching halt. Whether you run a cozy café in Canal Winchester or a high-volume kitchen in Columbus, plumbing emergencies can lead to temporary shutdowns, health code violations, and thousands in lost revenue.

Here are the five most common restaurant plumbing issues we see — and how to get ahead of them

1. Grease Trap Backups

Improperly maintained grease traps can cause kitchen drains to back up during peak hours. In Ohio, health departments are strict about grease trap compliance — especially in high-volume areas like Pickerington or Reynoldsburg.

Prevention Tip: Schedule regular professional cleanouts and ensure kitchen staff isn’t pouring grease down the drain

2. Low Water Pressure

From dishwashing to food prep, low water pressure disrupts efficiency. It often signals underlying issues with clogged pipes or faulty pressure regulators.

Prevention Tip: Schedule routine inspections to monitor your system’s water pressure and flow.

3. Restroom Clogs or Overflows

Customer restrooms reflect your brand — and when they’re clogged or out of service, you’re at risk of bad reviews or failed inspections.

Prevention Tip: Use commercial-grade plumbing fixtures and signage, and have a plumber on speed dial for emergency response.

4. Water Heater Malfunctions

Imagine running out of hot water during your busiest brunch rush. A faulty water heater can halt dishwashing and food prep, causing safety violations.

Prevention Tip: Flush the water heater regularly and check for sediment buildup.

5. Sewer Line Issues

Restaurants are particularly vulnerable to sewer backups due to the volume of waste. Root intrusion and grease buildup are common in older Central Ohio buildings.

Prevention Tip: Schedule a sewer line camera inspection annually.