In the fast-paced world of the Spokane restaurant industry, unexpected plumbing issues can lead to costly downtime, health code violations, and unhappy customers. From a backed-up grease trap to a malfunctioning commercial water heater, plumbing problems in a restaurant setting require specialized expertise and rapid response.
At Shaw Plumbing, we understand the unique demands and stringent regulations that Spokane restaurants face. We’ve been the trusted partner for commercial plumbing solutions across the Inland Northwest for 10 years, providing expert repair, maintenance, and installation services designed to keep your kitchen and restrooms running flawlessly, day and night.

Common Plumbing Issues Facing Spokane Restaurants
Restaurant plumbing systems operate under immense pressure due to high-volume usage, constant food waste, and the presence of fats, oils, and grease (FOG). Here are the most common plumbing problems we tackle for Spokane’s thriving culinary scene:
1. Grease Trap Clogs & Malfunctions
- The Problem: Grease traps are critical for preventing FOG from entering and solidifying in your main sewer lines. However, they frequently clog if not properly maintained, leading to slow drains, backups, and foul odors. These can quickly lead to health code violations and operational shutdowns.
- Shaw Plumbing’s Solution: We offer expert grease trap cleaning, repair, and even installation. Our technicians ensure your trap is functioning optimally and compliant with Spokane County Utilities regulations.
2. Commercial Drain Clogs
- The Problem: Kitchen sinks, dishwashers, floor drains, and bar drains are constantly bombarded with food scraps, coffee grounds, and soap scum, leading to stubborn blockages.
- Shaw Plumbing’s Solution: We utilize powerful commercial-grade drain cleaning techniques, including hydro-jetting, to thoroughly clear accumulated grease, food debris, and other challenging blockages, restoring full drainage capacity.
3. Commercial Water Heater Issues
- The Problem: Restaurants require a consistent supply of hot water for cooking, cleaning, and sanitization. Malfunctions like insufficient hot water, discolored water, or complete failure can halt operations.
- Shaw Plumbing’s Solution: Our experts repair all types of commercial water heaters, from tankless to traditional, ensuring your establishment always has ample hot water to meet demand and health standards.
4. Leaking Faucets & Pipes
- The Problem: Even minor leaks in commercial kitchens or restrooms can waste significant amounts of water, increase utility bills, and create hazardous slip-and-fall conditions. Hidden leaks can also lead to mold and structural damage.
- Shaw Plumbing’s Solution: We quickly diagnose and repair leaks in commercial fixtures and pipes, using durable, high-quality parts to ensure long-lasting solutions that comply with commercial plumbing codes.
5. Restroom Plumbing Problems
- The Problem: High-traffic restrooms often suffer from clogged toilets, continuously running toilets, and overflowing sinks, frustrating customers and potentially damaging your restaurant’s reputation.
- Shaw Plumbing’s Solution: We provide prompt, discreet, and effective repairs for all commercial restroom plumbing, minimizing disruption to your patrons.
6. Sewer Line Backups
- The Problem: Foul odors, multiple slow-draining fixtures, or water backing up in unexpected places can signal a severe blockage in your main sewer line, requiring immediate attention.
- Shaw Plumbing’s Solution: We offer comprehensive sewer line inspection (including video camera inspections), clearing, and repair services to address complex sewer line issues that can devastate a business.
Why Spokane Restaurants Trust Shaw Plumbing for Their Plumbing Needs
Choosing the right commercial plumber in Spokane is critical for your restaurant’s success. Shaw Plumbing stands out for our commitment to the food service industry:
- Dedicated Commercial Plumbing Expertise: Our technicians are not just residential plumbers; they are specifically trained and experienced in the complexities of commercial kitchen plumbing systems, including specialized equipment and high-volume demands.
- Local Spokane Knowledge: We understand the specific plumbing infrastructure, local codes, and permitting requirements unique to Spokane County and the City of Spokane, ensuring compliant and effective solutions.
- Proactive Maintenance Programs: Beyond repairs, we offer customized preventative maintenance plans for Spokane restaurants to help identify potential issues before they become emergencies, saving you money and headaches.
- Transparent & Upfront Pricing: We provide clear, detailed estimates for all commercial plumbing services, so you know exactly what to expect with no hidden fees.
- Minimizing Business Disruption: Our goal is to complete repairs efficiently and discreetly, allowing your operations to resume as quickly as possible.
- Compliance Assurance: We ensure all repairs and installations adhere to the latest Washington State Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Spokane Municipal Codes (e.g., Chapter 17F.100), as well as Spokane Regional Health District requirements, especially concerning grease traps.