Fred Kist Plumbing

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.

Yes — most food service operators find PM contracts reduce total repair costs by 30-50% compared to reactive-only maintenance. Benefits include: reduced emergency repair calls (the most expensive type), extended equipment lifespan, maintained food safety compliance, priority scheduling for PM customers, and detailed maintenance records for health inspections. The ROI is especially strong for high-volume operations where any downtime is costly.

Signs of compressor problems: unit not reaching temperature despite running constantly, compressor making loud knocking or grinding sounds, compressor starting and stopping rapidly (short cycling), compressor not starting at all, or high pressure shutdowns. Compressor failure is typically the most expensive refrigeration repair. Early diagnosis can sometimes allow for less costly repairs — don't wait if you hear unusual compressor noises.