How Often Should Restaurants Clean Their Grease Trap?
For restaurant owners in Northwest Florida, maintaining your grease trap isn't just about avoiding plumbing problems—it's a legal requirement. Here's everything you need to know about grease trap cleaning schedules and compliance.
The General Rule
Most Florida municipalities require commercial grease traps to be cleaned when they reach 25% capacity—that is, when grease and solids fill one-quarter of the trap's total volume. For many restaurants, this means cleaning every 1-3 months.
Factors Affecting Cleaning Frequency
Your cleaning schedule depends on several factors:
Type of Cuisine
Fried foods and heavy sauces produce more grease than lighter fare. Seafood restaurants on the Emerald Coast often need more frequent cleaning during tourist season.
Volume of Business
High-volume restaurants fill traps faster. A busy Destin tourist spot may need monthly service, while a quieter café might go 2-3 months.
Trap Size
Larger traps hold more grease before reaching the 25% threshold. Undersized traps for your operation need more frequent pumping.
Kitchen Practices
Proper pre-rinsing, scraping plates, and using drain strainers can extend time between cleanings.
Recommended Cleaning Schedules by Restaurant Type
| Restaurant Type | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Fast food / Fried foods | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Full-service restaurant | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Café / Light fare | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Bar / Minimal kitchen | Every 8-12 weeks |
Signs You Need Immediate Cleaning
Florida Compliance Requirements
Florida restaurants must maintain grease trap documentation including:
- Cleaning dates and company used
- Amount of grease removed
- Disposal location/facility
- Trap inspection reports
Keep these records for at least 3 years. Health inspectors can request them at any time.
Benefits of Scheduled Maintenance
Commercial Grease Trap Services
Prime Plumbing & Septic offers scheduled grease trap maintenance for restaurants throughout the Emerald Coast. We provide compliance documentation and flexible scheduling around your business hours.
Call 850-202-2749