How often should a grease trap be pumped?
When the FOG (fats, oils, grease) layer exceeds 25% of trap depth. Most full-service kitchens: every 60–90 days. High-volume frying kitchens: every 30 days.
Why it happens
The pumping schedule is determined by how quickly fats, oils, and grease (FOG) accumulate. When a trap fills with FOG, it can no longer separate grease from wastewater effectively. This allows grease to flow into the sanitary sewer lines, where it cools, solidifies, and creates stubborn blockages. These blockages can lead to foul odors, slow drains throughout the facility, and eventually costly sewer backups. Regular pumping is preventative maintenance against these system-wide issues.
What to check
Facility managers should visually inspect the trap's interior to gauge the FOG layer's thickness relative to the total liquid depth. Kitchen practices significantly impact accumulation; evaluate menu items and cooking methods to anticipate pumping needs. It is crucial to train kitchen staff to scrape plates thoroughly before washing and to never pour oils or dairy-based sauces directly into drains, as this reduces the overall load on the trap.
When to call a professional
Contact a professional service provider if you experience persistent drain odors, slow drains, or backups even with a regular pumping schedule. A specialist can also evaluate if your system is a candidate for supplemental treatments. These treatments can help manage FOG accumulation between pump-outs and potentially extend the service interval, improving overall drain health.
How Luften handles it
Luften provides bioaugmentation service for grease traps, using safe, biodegradable bacterial additives to reduce FOG buildup and extend the time between necessary pumpings. Our managed service programs include documented visits to ensure system performance. By consolidating grease trap maintenance with other building needs like drain care and odor control, facility managers can streamline operations under a single contract with one point of contact. A Luften specialist can conduct a free on-site survey to provide a written treatment recommendation.
Grease trap cleaning and maintenance program