Who Needs Grease Trap Service?
If your business has a commercial kitchen, you almost certainly have a grease trap or grease interceptor — and Florida law requires you to maintain it. Grease traps prevent fats, oils, and grease from entering the sewer or your septic system, where they cause blockages, backups, and expensive damage.
Businesses that typically need regular service include restaurants and bars, catering operations, food trucks with commissary kitchens, school and church kitchens, assisted living and nursing facilities, hotels with food service, and convenience stores with food preparation areas.
Florida Requires Grease Trap Maintenance
Under Florida Statute 403.0741 and Chapter 62-705 of the Florida Administrative Code, grease waste must be removed by licensed haulers, transported to permitted disposal facilities, and documented with service manifests. Non-compliance can result in fines, health department violations, or forced closure.
What Happens If You Don't Maintain It?
Grease traps fill up. When they do, fats and oils pass through into the plumbing downstream — whether that's a municipal sewer or a septic system. The consequences include clogged pipes that back up into your kitchen, foul odors reaching your dining area, health department violations and potential fines, and for businesses on septic — grease is one of the fastest ways to destroy a drain field.
How Often Should a Grease Trap Be Serviced?
Small indoor grease traps (under 100 gallons, common in smaller restaurants) — typically every 30 to 90 days. High-volume kitchens may need monthly service.
Large outdoor grease interceptors (500 to 2,000+ gallons, common in larger restaurants and institutional kitchens) — typically every 60 to 180 days depending on volume.
The 25% rule is a common industry standard: when the combined grease and solids layer reaches 25% of the trap's total capacity, it's time to pump. Waiting beyond that reduces the trap's effectiveness and increases the risk of a grease release downstream.
Our Services
Pumping and Cleaning
Complete removal of grease, solids, and wastewater. Interior cleaned to restore full capacity and proper function.
Scheduled Maintenance
Recurring service on a set schedule. Keeps your trap compliant and documentation current for health inspections.
Emergency Service
Grease backup during a dinner rush can't wait. If your trap overflows or drains stop, call for immediate service.
Documentation
Waste manifests and service records documenting every pickup — required for health inspections and regulatory audits.
Keeping Your Trap Efficient Between Visits
- Scrape plates before washing. Less food down the drain means the trap fills slower. Train staff to scrape thoroughly before dishes hit the sink.
- Never pour grease down the drain. Collect used cooking oil in a designated container for recycling or disposal.
- Use drain screens. Inexpensive mesh screens catch food particles before they reach the trap.
- Avoid excessive hot water and detergents. Hot water and emulsifying detergents can push grease through the trap before it separates, defeating its purpose.
Communities We Serve
We provide grease trap services across all of Citrus County, including Crystal River, Inverness, Homosassa, Lecanto, Citrus Springs, Beverly Hills, Floral City, Hernando, Sugarmill Woods, and Pine Ridge.