Grease Trap Planning for a Small Restaurant
Prepare for local sizing review and comparable quotes using fixtures, flow, menu, operations, space, and site conditions.
Do not size from seats alone
Seat count does not capture fixture flow, menu, food preparation, operating hours, equipment, drainage layout, or the serving authority's adopted method. Give the local reviewer or qualified designer the actual facility information.
Read the transcript
Restaurant owner: So… what’s this going to cost?
Narrator: That depends. Here are three things that can change it.
Narrator: One: size. It can change the pumping and disposal work.
Narrator: Two: how full it is, and how long it’s been.
Restaurant owner: …It’s been a while.
Narrator: Hardened grease can take longer to clear.
Narrator: Three: access. How easy it is to reach.
Narrator: Find grease trap services near you on GreaseTrapLocator, and contact them directly.
On screen: Find grease trap services near you. greasetraplocator.com. Free to use.
Prepare the project information
- Sink, dishwasher, pre-rinse, floor-drain, and food-equipment connections.
- Menu and cooking processes that produce fats, oils, or grease.
- Operating hours, production volume, and cleaning practices.
- Available indoor/outdoor space, route to drain lines, and access for service.
- Existing plumbing, venting, utilities, structure, and restoration needs.
- Local permit, review, inspection, and maintenance requirements.
Separate purchase, installation, and ongoing service
Ask proposals to distinguish equipment, freight, plumbing, excavation, electrical or alarm work, permits, inspection, restoration, service access, and ongoing maintenance. Avoid a first-year total until each input comes from a current written source.
Frequently asked questions
What size grease trap does a small restaurant need?
The local authority and qualified designer should determine that from the applicable rule, fixtures, flow, menu, operations, drainage, and site conditions.
Can I estimate size from restaurant seats?
Seat count alone is not a dependable sizing method and can miss the factors the local authority reviews.
What should I budget separately?
Separate equipment, freight, installation, permits, inspection, restoration, access, and ongoing service so proposals can be compared.
Who sets the grease-trap rules for my property?
The authority serving the property sets the binding equipment, service, record, and enforcement requirements. Ask that authority for the current rule and keep the response with your service records.
Author: Grease Trap Locator Editorial Team
The Grease Trap Locator editorial team covers FOG compliance, grease trap maintenance, and commercial kitchen regulations across the US and Canada. Our guides are written for restaurant owners, facility managers, and food service operators who need practical, accurate information without the fluff.
Find local contractors who handle cleaning, pumping, and FOG compliance — in your area.