First Rate Plumbing Heating and Cooling Inc

Most commercial kitchen equipment installations require permits: gas appliance permits for any gas connection work, electrical permits for new circuits or panel changes, plumbing permits for water and drain connections, and health department approval for new food service operations or major renovations. Requirements vary by jurisdiction — your installer should know local requirements. Operating without required permits can result in fines and forced closure during inspections.

Kitchen equipment emergencies include: walk-in cooler/freezer temperature rising (food inventory at risk), gas leak or smell, fire suppression system discharge, electrical sparks or burning smells, complete loss of cooking equipment during service hours, dishwasher failure during a busy shift, or any situation creating an immediate food safety risk. These situations require immediate professional attention and may require temporary closure.

Commercial kitchen equipment lifespans vary: commercial ovens 15-20 years, fryers 10-15 years, refrigeration equipment 10-15 years, ice machines 7-10 years, dishwashers 10-15 years, steam tables 10-15 years. Regular preventive maintenance significantly extends equipment life. Equipment that is properly maintained often outlasts these averages by 5+ years.