Directory · Nashville
Nashville commercial kitchen hood cleaning
Research index for operators. Public rules we found, how to vet a cleaner, open listing slots. Not a ranked vendor list.
What operators usually get asked
- The Nashville Fire Marshal’s Office enforces the Metropolitan Fire Prevention Code: the 2024 International Fire Code and 2024 NFPA 101 with local amendments in Metro Code §10.64.
- Fire Code §606.3.3 requires hoods, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts, and appurtenances to be inspected at Table 606.3.3.1 intervals by qualified individuals. Grease found means cleaning to ANSI/IKECA C10.
- Nashville amended §606.3.3.3 (records): records must name the individual and company and the date, and a copy must also be filed with any third-party reporting partner.
- That partner is InspectionReportsOnline.net (IROL). Nashville Fire requires every service provider doing inspection, testing, and maintenance on fire and life safety systems to report through it, and the list includes Semi-Annual Kitchen Hood Cleaning and Annual and Semi-Annual Hood Suppression. The AHJ number for registration is TNA11435.
- Owners and managers can register free as a “Property Owner” on IROL and see every report filed for their locations. Nashville Fire says the owner, occupant, or manager is responsible for making sure the systems are inspected and maintained.
- A service tag with the provider’s name, address, phone, and service date goes in a conspicuous spot after each inspection; prior tags are removed or covered (§606.3.3.3.1).
- Published contacts (verify on current Metro pages): Fire Marshal’s Office 615-862-5230; Nashville Fire HQ 615-862-5421; Metro Water Services 615-862-4600; hubNashville / 311 615-862-5000.
Fire Code inspection intervals (Table 606.3.3.1)
| Type of cooking operation | Inspect at least every |
|---|---|
| Solid fuel-burning cooking appliances | 1 month |
| High-volume: 24-hour, charbroiling, wok | 3 months |
| All other cooking operations | 6 months |
| Low-volume: places of worship, seasonal, senior centers | 12 months |
Or as approved by the fire code official. IROL lists hood cleaning as a semi-annual report type; if your kitchen is high-volume or solid fuel, the table still calls for more frequent inspection. Ask your vendor how they report the extra visits. See how often to inspect.
Hood washing and Metro Water rules
Metro Water Services publishes a one-page Vent Hood Cleaning Procedures & Regulations sheet for Nashville kitchens. The parts operators get asked about:
- Before hood cleaning starts, seal internal plumbing that does not drain to the grease interceptor; waste that drains to the interceptor is allowed
- Coordinate the hood clean with a full interceptor pump-out, ideally before the store reopens. Hot, high-pH wash water makes the interceptor work poorly.
- No hood cleaning waste or wastewater to storm drains, roads, parking lots, ditches, or anything that drains to them (Metro Code §15.64.205)
- Cleaner locks out switches, keeps suppression operable, keeps chemicals off fusible links, and returns panels, switches, and dampers to operating position
- The vent cleaning contractor leaves a label in the kitchen with the date, company name, and any areas not cleaned
The FOG program is separate paperwork. Under the Metro Water FOG policy, grease traps get cleaned at least every 30 days (every two weeks if FOG and solids pass 25%), interceptors at least every 90 days or at the 25% rule, and both need an annual certification by a Metro Water–approved inspector. See grease trap on hood day.
Three separate jobs in a Nashville kitchen
| Job | Rule we found | Who files or keeps proof |
|---|---|---|
| Hood, duct, and fan cleaning | Fire Code §606.3.3 / Table 606.3.3.1; IKECA C10; tags | Cleaner reports to IROL (AHJ TNA11435) and leaves tag + label; you keep records on site |
| Hood suppression | Annual and semi-annual hood suppression reports required through IROL | Suppression contractor, a different trade from the hood cleaner |
| Grease trap / interceptor | Metro Water FOG policy; annual Form A / Form B certification | Approved hauler + Metro Water–approved inspector |
Vet checklist
- Vendor is registered on Inspection Reports Online as a service provider for Nashville, and will file your hood cleaning report there (ask for the confirmation)
- Certs your AHJ accepts (IKECA or equivalent): ask, then verify
- Certificate of insurance before they arrive
- Photo report: plenum, ducts, rooftop fan, not only the canopy
- Full-system vs canopy wipe in writing
- Wastewater plan that matches the Metro Water sheet: interceptor drain only, nothing to the lot or storm drain
- Tag on the hood with name, address, phone, date, and areas not cleaned
Open listing slots
Unverified until docs in — Slot 1
Unverified until docs in — Slot 2
Unverified until docs in — Slot 3
Unverified until docs in — Slot 4
Sources
- Nashville Fire Department: Code editions (2024 IFC + 2024 NFPA 101 with local amendments)
- Nashville and Davidson County Fire Code 2024, Chapter 6 (UpCodes) (§606.3.3, Table 606.3.3.1, IKECA C10, records, tags)
- Metro Code Ch. 10.64, Fire Prevention Code (Municode) (§606.3.3.3 amendment: copy to third-party reporting partner)
- Nashville Fire: Inspection Reports Online (required reporting; semi-annual hood cleaning; AHJ TNA11435)
- Nashville Fire Marshal’s Office FAQ (code enforced; FMO phone)
- Metro Water Services: Vent Hood Cleaning Procedures & Regulations (PDF)
- Metro Water Services: FOG Management Policy 2025 (PDF) (trap 30-day / interceptor 90-day, 25% rule, annual certification)
Related guides
- How often to inspect
- Preparing the kitchen the night before
- Chemical runoff and grease waste
- What the service label should show
- What your report must show
- Quote checklist
- Atlanta
Request a listing: company, metro, certs, insurance, service area, photo-report policy. Tell us you report to Inspection Reports Online for Nashville.