How Often to Clean a Grease Trap in Commercial Kitchens?

If you run a restaurant or manage a busy commercial kitchen in Calgary, your grease trap is one of those things you can’t afford to ignore. Skip proper maintenance, and you’re facing clogged pipes, bad odours, health code violations, and even hefty fines. The real question isn’t if you should clean it, but how often to do it. Staying on top of grease trap maintenance keeps your kitchen running smoothly, saves you money, and keeps the inspectors happy. At The Drain Doctor™, grease trap cleaning isn’t a side service, it’s what we do best. Let’s dive into how often you should be cleaning, why it matters, and how to keep your system in top shape.

How Often Should You Clean Your Commercial Grease Trap?

The frequency of grease trap cleaning depends on several factors unique to each kitchen. While local regulations often mandate cleaning every one to three months, actual requirements vary based on:

• Kitchen Size and Volume: Larger kitchens or those with heavy food production naturally generate more grease, requiring more frequent cleanings.

• Type of Cuisine: Restaurants cooking with large amounts of oil or fatty foods will accumulate grease more rapidly.

• Grease Trap Size: Smaller traps fill up faster and need more frequent attention.

• Wastewater Flow: Higher water usage can push grease through the system faster, but might also distribute buildup differently, influencing cleaning schedules.

Generally, many commercial kitchens benefit from cleaning every 30 to 90 days. However, busy establishments with high grease output should consider monthly or even biweekly cleanings to prevent blockages. Ignoring these intervals can result in grease buildup hardening inside pipes, causing slow drainage, backups, and unpleasant odours.

Signs Your Grease Trap Needs Cleaning

Detecting signs of grease trap overload early helps avoid emergency situations. Watch for:

• Slow-draining sinks or floor drains near kitchen areas.

• Foul, sewage-like odours around the grease trap or kitchen.

• Visible grease accumulation or overflow from access points.

• Frequent backups or gurgling noises in drains after meal rushes.

  
  

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s an urgent signal to schedule grease trap cleaning. Learn more about the risks of neglecting grease trap maintenance if it isn’t properly maintained.

Practical Tips to Minimize Grease Trap Clogging in Busy Kitchens

While regular professional cleaning is essential, kitchen staff can implement daily habits to prolong the efficiency of your grease trap:

• Always scrape food scraps and solids from dishes into trash bins instead of rinsing them down the drain.

• Use grease strainers or filters to capture fats before they enter drains.

• Avoid pouring cooking oils, fats, or grease directly into sinks or floor drains.

• Periodically flush drains with hot water to help loosen and carry away oils.

• Educate staff on proper grease disposal and maintenance best practices.

These measures, combined with scheduled cleanings, reduce excessive grease buildup and improve kitchen operations. For more actionable advice, explore our tips on cost-saving strategies for using grease traps.

Why Choose The Drain Doctor™ for Your Grease Trap Cleaning?

At The Drain Doctor™, our exclusive focus on drain cleaning services empowers us to deliver specialized, efficient, and compliant grease trap cleaning for Calgary’s commercial kitchens. Our team uses industry-leading equipment to fully remove fats, oils, and grease deposits, preventing buildup that can lead to plumbing failures and regulatory issues.

We work closely with restaurant owners and facility managers to customize maintenance schedules that align with operational needs and local requirements. Through our reliable service, we help you maintain a hygienic environment, avoid costly downtime, and meet environmental standards effortlessly.

Ready to book your next grease trap cleaning or want to make sure your kitchen stays compliant and clog-free? Contact us today. Our team is here to answer your questions and walk you through our professional grease trap and pit cleaning services.