Grease Trap Cleaning
American Grease and Septic provides grease trap maintenance and cleaning services for the food industry, including restaurants, commercial kitchens, and other food service establishments. Any restaurant or commercial food establishment will require a grease trap that separates fats, oils, grease (FOG) and solids from the water that leaves the establishment. The water then is returned to the city wastewater and sewer lines. Failure to maintain your grease trap and properly dispose of FOGs can result in substantial compliance fees, foul odors, potential blockage and even business closure.
Professional, Reliable & Compliant
American Grease and Septic provides you top-notch grease trap cleaning services that not only keeps you up to date with local regulations but keeps your grease lines running smoothly. Our services are hassle free so you can focus on what is most important – your customer.
Timely service windows
Photo documentation
Automatic service reports
Appointment reminders and notifications
Customized grease maintenance programs
Service checklist emailed
Compliant waste manifests
Services provided during non-peak hours
Licensed & Professional
It is important to consult with a licensed and knowledgeable professional like American Grease and Septic to help you determine the best frequency for your grease trap service.
High Quality Grease Trap Services.
American Grease and Septic is your leading provider locally for grease trap maintenance and cleaning services for the food service industry. We pride ourselves in going above and beyond to ensure the job is done right.
100% evacuation
Scrape and clean walls and baffles
Pressure washing
Grease lateral jetting
Check water flow
System condition inspection and reporting
Industries We Serve
Restaurants
Churches and Community Kitchens
Schools and Colleges
Commissary Kitchens
Casinos
Concert Venues and Stadiums
Hotels
Movie Theaters
Daycare Facilities
Healthcare
Experienced Technicians. Professional Operations.
American Grease and Septic partners with a network of plumbers, excavation and trenchless teams to provide endless channels for any service you may require. When you work with American Grease and Septic, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge from experts who have worked in the industry for over 40 years.
In addition, we work with local government agencies to execute their needs on the highest level. We pride ourselves on staying 100% compliant with city ordinances and have built a reputation for doing the job right.
We understand that the service we provide is more a necessity than a leisurely addition to your business and that is why our staff will work with you to keep you updated on the latest policies. We provide you with peace of mind by maintaining a recurring schedule of your grease trap maintenance and cleaning.
Dedicated Service
American Grease and Septic offers 24-hour emergency response 365 days a year.
What is a Grease Trap?
A grease trap is a plumbing device that is installed in a drainage system to intercept fats, oils, and greases (FOG) before they enter the sewer system. FOG can build up in sewer lines and cause blockages, backups, and overflows. Grease traps help to prevent these problems by slowing the flow of wastewater, allowing the FOG to cool and solidify, and then collecting it in a separate chamber.
Grease traps are required by law in many jurisdictions for businesses that generate large amounts of FOG, such as restaurants, food processing facilities, and car washes. They can also be used in homes with large kitchens or that do a lot of cooking.
Grease traps must be regularly pumped out by a licensed professional to prevent them from overflowing. The frequency of pumping will vary depending on the amount of FOG that is generated.
Why Does it Need to be Cleaned?
The frequency with which a grease trap needs to be cleaned depends on several factors, including the amount of FOG that is generated, the size of the trap, and the type of business. In general, grease traps should be cleaned at least once a month. However, some businesses may need to have their grease traps cleaned more often.
Here are some of the reasons why a grease trap needs to be cleaned:
To prevent backups and overflows. When FOG builds up in a grease trap, it can solidify and clog the trap. This can lead to backups and overflows, which can damage your plumbing and property.
To prevent health problems. Bacteria can grow in grease traps, which can lead to health problems. For example, bacteria can cause food poisoning.
To comply with regulations. In many jurisdictions, businesses are required to have their grease traps cleaned on a regular basis. This is to help prevent sewer backups and overflows, which can pollute the environment.
Grease Trap Pumping FAQ's
What is a grease trap?
A grease trap captures fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from commercial kitchens and prevents them from entering the wastewater/sewer system.
How often should I get my grease trap pumped?
The frequency of grease trap pumping depends on the size of the trap, the amount of FOG generated by your kitchen, and any mandates enforced by your local environmental management agency. Typically, it is recommended to have it pumped every 3 months for outdoor gravity grease interceptors and 1-3 months for indoor hydromechanical grease traps.
What are the consequences of not pumping a grease trap regularly?
If a grease trap is not pumped regularly, FOG can build up and cause blockages in your plumbing system, leading to backups, odors, and potential kitchen closures. Additionally, prolonged exposure of grease will deteriorate concrete (common outdoor tank material).
How do you pump a grease trap?
Our technicians will first locate and safely uncover your grease trap. Then, using vacuum trucks and pressure washers, they will fully evacuate the grease trap waste, wash and scrape the tank, inspect for system issues and dispose at a wastewater treatment facility. A service checklist and photos from the job will be sent to your email.
Can I dispose of FOG myself?
It is not recommended to dispose of FOG down the drain or in the trash. Our company offers specialized services to keep you compliant and your system operating correctly.
Bundle & Save Program
If you're looking to save money on essential services while also simplifying your maintenance schedule, then this program is perfect for you. By combining the Grease Trap pumping with our Used Cooking Oil collection service, you can save money and enjoy a streamlined experience with one trusted service provider.