Grease Trap Cleaning
Keeping your kitchen’s grease trap clean is not just about compliance — it’s about keeping your business running smoothly. At McNeil & Sons Fire Protection, we provide professional grease trap cleaning services for restaurants, schools, cafeterias, catering companies, and commercial kitchens across the Bay Area. With routine service, we help prevent costly backups, foul odors, and fire hazards, so you can focus on serving your customers.
Grease Trap Cleaning Is Essential
Grease traps capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they enter your plumbing system. Over time, these traps fill up and, if not serviced, can cause:
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Plumbing blockages and overflows
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Strong odors in your kitchen and dining areas
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Potential fire hazards from excess grease
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Health code violations and costly fines
Regular grease trap cleaning ensures your kitchen stays sanitary, efficient, and compliant with local wastewater and fire codes.
Grease Trap Cleaning Is Essential
We use a thorough step-by-step approach to ensure your trap is cleaned the right way every time:
Inspection – Assess grease levels and overall trap condition.
Pumping & Removal – Safely remove fats, oils, grease, and solids from the trap.
Cleaning & Scraping – Clean the walls, baffles, and components to remove buildup.
System Check – Inspect for wear, damage, or potential issues.
Reporting & Scheduling – Provide documentation and set up your next recommended service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should grease traps be cleaned?
Cleaning frequency depends on your kitchen’s cooking volume. Many restaurants require monthly service, while smaller facilities may need cleaning every 2–3 months. Health codes often mandate cleaning once grease buildup reaches 25% of the trap’s capacity. Regular service prevents unexpected clogs and ensures compliance during inspections.
What happens if I don’t clean my grease trap regularly?
Neglecting grease trap maintenance can lead to serious problems. Clogged pipes may cause wastewater to back up into your kitchen, creating health hazards and forcing you to shut down operations. Additionally, inspectors can issue violations, fines, or even temporary closures if your grease trap is not maintained properly. Over time, the buildup can also damage your plumbing system, resulting in costly repairs.
Can you handle emergency grease trap issues?
Absolutely. If your trap is overflowing, clogged, or causing strong odors, our team can respond quickly to get your system back under control. We also offer regular maintenance scheduling to prevent emergencies from happening in the first place.