How Often to Clean Restaurant Grease Traps in Los Angeles, CA
Grease traps are mandatory for all food service businesses in LA to decrease the amount of fats, oils, grease and solid waste entering the city’s sewer line. Improper grease trap cleaning can cause clogs in plumbing lines, slow drains and overflow. The Los Angeles Sanitation Department requires all food establishments to clean their grease traps and interceptors before exceeding 25% Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) content.
Used Cooking Oil and Grease Regulations in LA
Grease traps have a rated capacity or Actual Capacity Size (ACS) that must remain constant for the traps to work properly. For example, a grease interceptor with a capacity of 500 gallons must fill up to that size for the grease and solid content to separate and release the wastewater. As grease and solid waste increase, the wastewater decreases. When the FOG capacity reaches 25%, the grease trap should be completely pumped out.
How Frequently Should Grease Traps Be Cleaned?
Small indoor grease traps should be pumped and cleaned weekly. They reach 25% FOG content much faster than large-capacity grease interceptors, which can be pumped out every quarter or monthly. This duration should be adjusted based on every establishment’s grease generation, kitchen food scraping practices, and business volume.
Why Should Grease Traps Be Regularly Maintained?
Regular grease trap cleaning conducted by a licensed vendor prevents spills caused by backed-up plumbing lines. Spillage leads to expensive clean-up costs, fines from the city and sometimes closure of the establishment until cleaning is complete.
Who Should Clean Grease Traps?
It’s important to work with professionals for grease trap cleaning and maintenance. Doing so prevents fats, oils, grease and solid waste from entering the plumbing systems, causing property damage and health concerns.
Under Los Angeles Sanitation Department requirements, Food Service Establishments (FSEs) must actively monitor their grease traps and interceptors and attain a proper manifest report showing the condition of their devices, findings and recommendations. To comply with these requirements, a professional should inspect your grease traps, service them as needed and provide the necessary reports to confirm proper function.
FSEs are also required to follow Best Management Practices, such as:
- Disposing of food waste into the garbage
- Installing drain screens
- Dry wiping pots, pans and dishes before washing them in the sink
- Training employees on best practices
Partner With Baker Commodities for Expert Grease Trap Cleaning and Maintenance
If you haven’t cleaned out your grease trap or interceptor according to the city’s regulations, or you’re experiencing slow drains in your kitchen, your device might be full and need servicing as soon as possible.
At Baker Commodities, we are experts in food waste management and have been since 1937. We can help keep your grease trap system functioning efficiently. Our services include video inspections to detect drain issues, preventive maintenance and removal of solid materials, water, fats and grease from the system. Contact Baker Commodities today for grease trap cleaning and maintenance in Los Angeles and beyond.