Guide
How Often Should a Grease Trap Be Cleaned?
If you run a commercial kitchen, your grease trap is working harder than you think — every plate washed and every fryer drained sends fats, oils, and grease into that box under your sink or behind your building. Ignore it long enough and you will know: slow drains, bad smells, and eventually a backup that stops your kitchen cold.
The short answer
Most commercial kitchens need grease trap pumping every 1–3 months. High-volume restaurants, especially those with heavy frying, often need monthly service. Your local wastewater authority may set a minimum frequency — and they will ask for your service records during inspections.
Signs your trap is overdue
Slow floor drains, gurgling sounds, grease odours near the dish pit, and water pooling near the trap are all red flags. If you cannot remember the last time your trap was pumped, it is overdue.
Do not wait for an overflow. A full grease trap sends FOG straight into your drain lines and the municipal sewer — that is when fines and forced closures happen.
Setting a schedule that works
Track your pumping dates and compare them to your kitchen volume. A quiet café may go 90 days between pumpings. A busy fried chicken restaurant may need service every 30 days.
Call Grease Guard Pros to set up a recurring schedule. We document every visit so you are always inspection-ready.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a commercial grease trap be cleaned?
Most commercial kitchens need grease trap pumping every 1–3 months. High-volume restaurants and those with heavy frying may need monthly service. Your local wastewater authority may also set minimum frequencies.
What happens if I skip a grease trap cleaning?
FOG (fats, oils, grease) accumulates until the trap overflows into your drain lines and kitchen. This causes backups, odours, health violations, and potential forced closure.
Can I clean a grease trap myself?
DIY grease trap cleaning is not recommended for commercial kitchens. Proper pumping requires equipment, disposal compliance, and documentation that professional crews provide.