Grease Trap Cleaning:
Costs, Frequency & Local Pros
Grease trap cleaning removes the fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that clog your plumbing and trigger fines. Most commercial kitchens need it every 1–3 months, at a typical cost of $150–$900 per visit. Find a verified local contractor below.
What grease trap cleaning actually involves
A proper cleaning is more than emptying the tank. A licensed contractor removes the contents, physically scrapes the hardened grease off the internal surfaces, checks the trap is working, and documents the disposal so you have proof for an inspector.
Cleaning vs. pumping vs. clean-out
These words get used interchangeably, but they describe different levels of service — and you pay for the difference. Here is what each one actually means.
Pump the trap, then scrape hardened grease off the walls, baffles, and lid, inspect the unit, and manifest the waste. Restores full capacity and gives you the longest interval to the next service.
Vacuum out the liquid and grease only. Faster and cheaper per visit, but buildup left on the surfaces means the trap fills again sooner. Full comparison →
A reactive, one-off dig-out of a trap that has overflowed or blocked the line — often after hours, at a premium. Usually a sign the regular schedule slipped.
How often should a grease trap be cleaned?
The industry standard is the 25% rule: once floating grease plus settled solids reach 25% of the trap’s liquid capacity, it must be pumped. The threshold comes from cleaning standards such as CSA B481.4 and is enforced locally under the EPA National Pretreatment Program. In practice that lands most kitchens on a 1–3 month schedule — smaller and busier traps need it more often.
| Trap / Interceptor | Capacity | Typical Frequency | Typical Cost / Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under-sink trap | 10–50 gal | Every 90–180 days | $150–$250 |
| Small interceptor | 100–250 gal | Every 60–90 days | $200–$375 |
| Mid-size interceptor | 500–750 gal | Every 30–60 days | $300–$550 |
| Large interceptor | 1,000–1,500 gal | Every 30–45 days | $450–$750 |
| Extra-large interceptor | 2,000–2,500 gal | Every 14–30 days | $700–$900+ |
National averages — your local FOG ordinance may set a stricter minimum. Get your own interval from the free Cleaning Schedule Planner, or size a new trap with the Sizing Calculator.
How much does grease trap cleaning cost?
Expect $150 to $900 per visit for most commercial traps. The two biggest swing factors are tank size and how full the trap is when the truck arrives — a neglected trap costs far more per visit than one on a schedule.
| Region | Under-Sink | Large Interceptor | Main Cost Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast (NY, NJ, MA, CT) | $250–$400 | $600–$1,100+ | High labour, strict FOG enforcement |
| West Coast (CA, WA, OR) | $225–$375 | $550–$950+ | Environmental & disposal fees |
| Southeast (TX, FL, GA, NC) | $150–$280 | $300–$650 | Lower labour, high restaurant density |
| Midwest (IL, OH, MI, MN) | $175–$300 | $350–$700 | Moderate labour, seasonal demand |
| Canada (ON, BC, AB, QC) | CAD $200–$450 | CAD $500–$1,000+ | Provincial fees, QC manifest rules |
How we source these numbers: ranges are 2026 national averages based on published market rates and typical contractor pricing; your actual quote varies by region, trap size, and condition. Emergency and after-hours service adds a further 40–80% premium. For pricing by trap size, contract vs. one-off, and the full list of cost drivers, read the 2026 Grease Trap Cleaning Cost Guide or get a location-specific range from the Cost Estimator.
Can you clean a grease trap yourself?
Sometimes — but the waste rules apply either way. The line most operators draw is trap size and whether the jurisdiction requires a licensed hauler and a manifest.
DIY may be fine when…
- It’s a small under-sink trap (roughly 10–50 gallons).
- You can capture the FOG and dispose of it legally — never down a drain or in the trash.
- Your local ordinance doesn’t require a licensed hauler or a manifest.
Call a pro when…
- It’s an in-ground interceptor needing a vacuum truck.
- Your FOG program requires a licensed hauler and a disposal manifest.
- You want the buildup scraped and the unit inspected, not just pumped.
- You’re behind schedule and need to get compliant fast.
Find grease trap cleaning near you
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Grease trap cleaning: common questions
How much does grease trap cleaning cost?
How often should a grease trap be cleaned?
What is the difference between grease trap cleaning and pumping?
Can I clean my own grease trap?
How long does grease trap cleaning take?
What happens if you do not clean your grease trap?
Free tools used by facility managers to size a trap, set a cleaning interval, and budget the year — no signup required.