How Much Does Grease Trap Cleaning Cost?
Grease trap cleaning costs $150-$500 for a standard restaurant grease trap. Under-sink grease interceptors cost $75-$200 to clean. Frequency depends on size and volume — most restaurants need monthly cleaning. Failure to maintain grease traps can result in health code violations and fines of $1,000+.
Cost Breakdown
| Service | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-sink interceptor cleaning | $75 | $200 | Small restaurant |
| In-ground grease trap | $200 | $500 | Standard restaurant |
| Large commercial interceptor | $400 | $1,000 | High-volume kitchen |
| Emergency grease trap service | $400 | $800 | Backup or overflow |
| Grease trap installation | $1,500 | $5,000 | New installation |
| Health code fine | $1,000 | $10,000 | Non-compliance |
Grease Trap Cleaning Costs in 2026
By Type
- Under-sink interceptor ($75-$200): Small units (20-50 gallons) found in small restaurants and bakeries. Cleaned monthly or as needed. Can often be maintained by staff.
- In-ground grease trap ($200-$500): Larger units (500-2,000 gallons) buried outside the building. Cleaned monthly by a licensed hauler. Requires pump truck.
- Large interceptor ($400-$1,000+): Commercial units serving large kitchens, hospitals, or food courts. May need weekly service.
What Is Included
Professional grease trap cleaning includes pumping all grease and solids, cleaning the interior walls and baffles, inspecting for damage, and proper disposal at a licensed facility. The hauler should provide a manifest documenting the waste.
Regulations
Most cities require grease traps for all commercial food establishments. Health departments enforce cleaning schedules — typically monthly for active kitchens. Records must be kept on-site for inspection. Violations can result in fines of $1,000-$10,000 and potential shut-down orders.
Reducing Costs
- Train staff to scrape plates into trash before washing
- Never pour grease down drains
- Use drain strainers to catch food particles
- Wipe pots and pans with paper towels before washing
- Consider a grease recycling program (some haulers pay for used cooking oil)
Related Questions
How often should a grease trap be cleaned?
Monthly for most active restaurant kitchens. The rule of thumb: when the trap is 25% full of grease, it needs cleaning. Small cafes and bakeries may get by with quarterly cleaning. High-volume kitchens may need bi-weekly service.
Can I clean my own grease trap?
Small under-sink interceptors can be cleaned by staff. In-ground traps require a licensed pump truck and proper waste disposal — you cannot legally dump grease trap waste. Most health departments require cleaning by a licensed service.
What happens if my grease trap overflows?
Grease enters the sewer system, causing blockages that can back up into your kitchen and neighboring businesses. Your city may fine you for sewer contamination. Emergency grease trap service costs $400-$800.