A plumbing inspector came from the City of San Francisco to check the work we did at Mozzeria. We had been rather through with our plumbing work. As this would be our first inspection and having heard stories about failed inspections, we were anxious the inspector would agree everything was done properly.

Well, that was wishful thinking. The inspector pointed out the 3-compartment sink as an issue. We told him the sink was already there before we took over the space. He explained that some items may not be on the blueprints but it was still his job to look at everything and ensure they were up to current codes. Ok, ok. We asked what we need to do with the 3-compartment sink. He said we needed to install a vent pipe for each compartment. It was a good thing that our plumber was with us and he took notes.

We had relocated the hand sink when we installed a larger water heater, as 36" width access is required to allow access for anyone in a wheelchair. The inspector requested we put the vent pipe on the wall by the hand sink.


The inspector asked us where the grease trap was. We were not familiar with grease trap, and were not sure where it was located in the kitchen. He found the grease trap. Oh, we had wondered what that square thing on the floor was. We hadn’t tried to take it off to see what it was. He removed the grease trap door and, gosh, there was a thick pond of grease. Imagine grease building up over several years and lying in the trap. What a stinky smell!!!

We were told we needed to get a bigger grease trap because of the wood burning oven in the dining room.

We failed the first inspection, but that was okay. We had learned a lot about plumbing in a restaurant. We made all the corrections immediately and the inspector came back the following week. We are pleased to announce that we passed the plumbing inspection! Hooray!! Now we will have to deal with electrical, building, and fire inspections.

Wish us luck!