Grease Trap Installation Cost (2026 Guide)
💰 Cost Breakdown
| Item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-Sink Grease Trap (Residential/Small Commercial) A compact unit installed between the kitchen sink drain and the wall drain line. Capacity of 4–20 GPM. Traps grease before it enters the drain system. Manual cleaning required every 1–3 months. Suitable for residential kitchens, small cafes, and food prep areas. | $150 | $350 | $600 |
| In-Ground Grease Interceptor (Commercial) A large concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene tank buried outside the building. Capacity of 500–2,000+ gallons. Handles high-volume grease from full commercial kitchens. Requires excavation, plumbing connection, and typically a permit. Professional pumping required every 1–3 months. | $2,000 | $3,500 | $5,000 |
| Automatic Grease Recovery Unit A mechanical unit that automatically skims and separates grease into a collection container. Higher upfront cost but lower maintenance — no manual cleaning of the trap itself. Ideal for high-volume kitchens that want to reduce pumping frequency and recover grease for recycling. | $1,500 | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Grease Trap Pumping/Cleaning (Per Service) Professional pump-out of accumulated grease, oils, and solids. Frequency depends on trap size and kitchen volume — monthly for busy restaurants, quarterly for light-use residential traps. Includes disposal at an approved facility. | $100 | $250 | $400 |
| Excavation for In-Ground Installation Digging the pit for an in-ground interceptor, including depth to meet gravity flow requirements. Cost varies significantly based on soil conditions, access, and whether existing concrete or asphalt must be cut. | $500 | $1,200 | $2,000 |
Under-Sink Grease Trap (Residential/Small Commercial)
A compact unit installed between the kitchen sink drain and the wall drain line. Capacity of 4–20 GPM. Traps grease before it enters the drain system. Manual cleaning required every 1–3 months. Suitable for residential kitchens, small cafes, and food prep areas.
In-Ground Grease Interceptor (Commercial)
A large concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene tank buried outside the building. Capacity of 500–2,000+ gallons. Handles high-volume grease from full commercial kitchens. Requires excavation, plumbing connection, and typically a permit. Professional pumping required every 1–3 months.
Automatic Grease Recovery Unit
A mechanical unit that automatically skims and separates grease into a collection container. Higher upfront cost but lower maintenance — no manual cleaning of the trap itself. Ideal for high-volume kitchens that want to reduce pumping frequency and recover grease for recycling.
Grease Trap Pumping/Cleaning (Per Service)
Professional pump-out of accumulated grease, oils, and solids. Frequency depends on trap size and kitchen volume — monthly for busy restaurants, quarterly for light-use residential traps. Includes disposal at an approved facility.
Excavation for In-Ground Installation
Digging the pit for an in-ground interceptor, including depth to meet gravity flow requirements. Cost varies significantly based on soil conditions, access, and whether existing concrete or asphalt must be cut.
📊 Factors That Impact Cost
Type and Capacity Required
High ImpactA residential under-sink trap ($250–$600 installed) and a commercial in-ground interceptor ($2,000–$5,000+) serve the same function at vastly different scales. Local code dictates minimum capacity based on the number and size of fixtures draining into it and the flow rate in GPM.
Installation Location
High ImpactUnder-sink traps are simple plumbing connections — 1–2 hours of labor. In-ground interceptors require excavation, concrete work, and multiple plumbing connections — often a 2–3 day project. Interior vs. exterior placement affects access for maintenance and excavation costs.
Local Code Requirements
Medium ImpactCommercial food establishments universally require grease interceptors, but sizing requirements and pumping frequency mandates vary by jurisdiction. Some areas require flow-rate testing, grease monitoring logs, and quarterly manifest reporting. Permits run $100–$500 for commercial installations.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Medium ImpactBudget $100–$400 per pump-out, occurring monthly to quarterly depending on volume. Neglecting maintenance leads to code violations (fines of $500–$5,000), sewer backups, and FOG (fats, oils, grease) entering the municipal sewer system. Some jurisdictions inspect grease traps annually.