Grease Trap Cleaning Service
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Grease trap cleaning pumps out accumulated fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before the trap reaches capacity and FOG bypasses into the drain line, scrubs baffles and inlet screens that restrict flow, and inspects the trap body for cracks that would allow untreated discharge into the sewer. Bonded Plumbworks’ licensed plumbers restore full interception capacity, document the cleaned trap condition, and advise on the correct service interval to stay ahead of blockages and code violations.
Grease trap cleaning is a plumbing maintenance service that removes accumulated fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from a grease interceptor or grease trap to restore its separation capacity. Regular cleaning prevents FOG from entering the sewer system, causing drain line blockages, and violating local pretreatment ordinances. — Bonded Plumbworks
What Is Grease Trap Cleaning
Grease trap cleaning is the process of opening a grease trap, removing the accumulated layer of solidified and semi-solid fats, oils, and grease, cleaning the baffles and interior surfaces, and reassembling the trap. A grease trap works by slowing down water flow from the kitchen drain, allowing FOG to float to the surface and solids to settle to the bottom. Clean water flows out through a submerged outlet pipe. Over time, the FOG layer thickens and the solids layer rises, reducing the trap’s effective separation volume.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) identifies FOG as the leading cause of sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) in the United States. Approximately 47 percent of all sewer blockages are caused by FOG, according to EPA data. Grease trap maintenance is a frontline defense against sewer system contamination. — Bonded Plumbworks, serving homeowners since 2006
When to Schedule Grease Trap Cleaning
Schedule grease trap cleaning with Bonded Plumbworks when:
- The grease layer has reached 25 percent of the trap’s total liquid depth (the industry standard for cleaning threshold)
- You notice slow drainage from kitchen sinks connected to the grease trap
- Foul odors come from the drain or the grease trap access point
- Grease is visible in the drain lines downstream of the trap
- Your local jurisdiction requires documentation of regular cleaning intervals
- A plumbing inspection has identified a full or near-capacity grease trap
Most residential grease traps require cleaning every 1 to 3 months depending on cooking volume. Light commercial installations (small restaurants, food trucks, catering kitchens) may require monthly cleaning.
How Grease Trap Cleaning Works
Step 1: Access. Our plumber locates and opens the grease trap access cover. Interior residential traps are typically located under the kitchen sink. Exterior or underground traps are accessed through ground-level covers.
Step 2: FOG Removal. We remove the solidified grease layer from the top of the trap and the settled solids from the bottom using hand tools and wet vacuum equipment. All waste material is collected in sealed containers for proper disposal.
Step 3: Baffle and Interior Cleaning. The trap’s internal baffles, inlet and outlet pipes, and interior walls are scraped and flushed clean. We verify that the baffles are properly positioned and not damaged.
Step 4: Inspection. While the trap is open and clean, we inspect for corrosion, cracks, failed gaskets, and deteriorated baffles. We report any structural issues that could affect trap performance or cause leaks. Grease Trap Cleaning inspection gives you a live view of the problem before any work starts. You review the findings and approve the quote before any repair begins.
Step 5: Reassembly and Testing. We reinstall the access cover with a proper gasket seal, run water through the trap, and verify normal flow and separation function.
Depending on site conditions, this work may also involve plumbing fixture, backflow prevention device, tankless water heating, tap (valve), and sump pump to ensure a complete and code-compliant result.
The “25 percent rule” is the industry standard for grease trap cleaning: when the combined FOG and solids layers reach 25 percent of the trap’s total liquid depth, the trap has lost enough separation capacity to allow FOG to escape into the drain system. Regular monitoring prevents this threshold from being exceeded. — Bonded Plumbworks
Benefits vs. Alternatives
Professional grease trap cleaning maintains full trap capacity and prevents FOG from reaching the sewer system. Neglecting cleaning leads to drain blockages that are far more expensive to clear than routine trap maintenance. A single grease-related drain blockage can cost $300 to $800 to clear, while regular trap cleaning costs a fraction of that per visit.
Chemical grease trap treatments and enzyme products claim to reduce cleaning frequency, but the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) notes that these products do not eliminate the need for physical cleaning — they simply emulsify grease that then re-solidifies downstream in the drain line.
Pricing
Grease trap cleaning typically ranges from $150 to $400 per visit depending on trap size (measured in gallons per minute flow rate), the amount of accumulated FOG, and whether the trap is an interior under-sink unit or an exterior underground installation. Bonded Plumbworks offers recurring maintenance plans at reduced per-visit rates. We provide a written estimate during the first visit.
Our Qualifications
Bonded Plumbworks plumbers hold active state plumbing licenses and have been maintaining grease traps since 2006. We follow all local pretreatment ordinance requirements for FOG disposal and maintain proper waste hauling documentation. We are members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC).
FAQ
How often does a grease trap need cleaning? Most residential grease traps need cleaning every 1 to 3 months. The frequency depends on cooking volume and the types of food prepared. Households that fry food frequently or prepare large meals regularly need more frequent cleaning.
What happens if I do not clean my grease trap? An overloaded grease trap allows FOG to pass through to the drain system, causing blockages in your drain lines and potentially in the municipal sewer. This can result in sewer backups, foul odors, pest infestations, and code violations.
Can I clean the grease trap myself? Small under-sink residential traps can be cleaned by homeowners, but professional cleaning is more thorough and includes inspection for structural issues. Larger traps and all commercial installations should be professionally serviced.
How much does grease trap cleaning cost? Grease trap cleaning typically costs $150 to $400 for most residential jobs. The final price depends on the scope of work, materials required, and site conditions. Bonded Plumbworks provides a written estimate before any grease trap cleaning work begins, so you know the exact cost upfront with no surprises.
Back to Kitchen Plumbing
Schedule Your Grease Trap Cleaning
Keep your kitchen drains flowing and your grease trap compliant. Call Bonded Plumbworks at (855) 557-9600 to schedule grease trap cleaning. We offer one-time service and recurring maintenance plans to fit your kitchen’s needs. Every grease trap cleaning service includes a 90-day guarantee on grease trap cleaning work, covering parts and labor.