How Often Should You Clean Your Grease Trap? (State-by-State Guide 2026)

The simple answer: every 1 to 3 months, depending on how busy your kitchen is.

The real answer: it depends on your local regulations, your trap size, your kitchen volume, and what your municipality requires. Get it wrong, and you're looking at fines, sewer backups, and potential shutdowns.

Here's everything you need to know.

The General Rule: The "One-Quarter Rule"

The most widely accepted industry standard is the one-quarter rule (also called the "25% rule"):

When 25% of your grease trap's capacity is filled with fats, oils, grease, and solids (FOGS), it needs to be cleaned — regardless of when it was last serviced.

This is an internationally recognized guideline used by plumbing codes and health departments across the US. It means that if you run a high-volume kitchen that produces a lot of grease, you might hit the 25% mark every 4-6 weeks — even if your local law only requires quarterly cleaning.

Don't just follow the minimum. Follow the trap.

Recommended Cleaning Frequency by Kitchen Type

What Determines Your Cleaning Schedule?

1. Kitchen Volume & Menu

A fried chicken restaurant produces exponentially more grease than a salad-focused cafe. If your menu is heavy on fried foods, sauteed dishes, and oil-based cooking, your trap fills faster.

2. Trap Size

Smaller traps (20-50 gallons, typically installed under a sink) fill up much faster than large in-ground interceptors (1,000-3,000+ gallons). If you have a small indoor trap, expect monthly cleaning. Large interceptors may go 2-3 months.

3. Number of Meals Served

Simple math: more meals = more grease. A restaurant serving 500 covers a night will fill its trap far faster than one serving 50.

4. Staff Practices

Kitchens that train staff to scrape plates, use drain screens, and properly dispose of cooking oil need less frequent cleanings. Kitchens that don't train staff on grease management fill their traps 2-3x faster.

5. Local Regulations

This is the non-negotiable factor. Your city or county may mandate a specific schedule regardless of the factors above. Always check your local requirements.

State-by-State Grease Trap Cleaning Requirements

Regulations vary widely across the US. Here's an overview of requirements in major states:

California

• Most municipalities require cleaning at least every 90 days
• Los Angeles County: Monthly manifests required for all FOG facilities
• San Francisco: Grease traps must be cleaned before reaching 25% capacity
• Fines: Up to $1,000 per day for violations

Texas

• Cleaning typically required every 90 days minimum
• Houston: All food service establishments must maintain grease control devices
• Written maintenance logs required and must be available for inspection
• Fines vary by municipality, up to $2,000 per day

Florida

• Most counties require quarterly cleaning at minimum
• Miami-Dade: Monthly cleaning required for high-volume establishments
• Maintenance records must be kept for minimum 3 years
• Fines: Up to $500 per violation per day

New York

• NYC DEP requires grease interceptors to be cleaned at minimum once every 90 days
• More frequent cleaning required if the 25% rule is triggered
• All cleanings must be documented with hauler manifests
• Significant fines for non-compliance

Illinois

• Chicago requires cleaning every 90 days minimum
• Must use licensed haulers with proper manifests
• Records must be maintained and available for inspection

Georgia

• Atlanta: Quarterly cleaning required; monthly for high-volume
• Fulton County requires written maintenance schedules
• Grease interceptors must be cleaned when 25% full

Ohio

• Most municipalities follow the 90-day rule
• Columbus requires quarterly pump-outs with documentation
• Manifests must be kept on-site for 3 years

Pennsylvania

• Philadelphia: Quarterly cleaning minimum
• All FOG facilities must have a maintenance plan on file
• Cleanings must be performed by licensed haulers

North Carolina

• Charlotte: Every 90 days or when 25% full (whichever comes first)
• Raleigh: Quarterly cleaning with manifests required
• Records retained for minimum 3 years

Arizona

• Phoenix & Maricopa County: Quarterly cleaning minimum
• Must use approved haulers
• Maintenance logs required at all times

What Records Do You Need to Keep?

Almost every jurisdiction requires you to maintain cleaning records. At minimum, keep:

1. Date of each cleaning
2. Name and license number of the cleaning company
3. Amount of FOGS removed (in gallons)
4. Hauler manifest (proof of proper disposal)
5. Condition of the trap (any repairs needed)

Keep these records for at least 3 years — many jurisdictions require them, and they protect you during inspections. Store copies both on-site and digitally.

Signs Your Grease Trap Needs Cleaning Now

Don't just rely on the calendar. Watch for these warning signs:

• Slow drainage in kitchen sinks
• Foul odors coming from drains or the trap area
• Grease visible in the trap opening
• Frequent drain backups
• Standing water in floor drains near the trap

If you notice any of these, schedule a cleaning immediately — don't wait for the next scheduled service.

The Cost of Waiting Too Long

Skipping or delaying cleanings doesn't save money. It costs more:

Regular maintenance is the cheapest option. Every time.

Find a Grease Trap Cleaning Company in Your Area

Don't wait until you have a problem. Find a reliable local provider now, get on a regular schedule, and protect your business.

Search grease trap cleaning companies near you →

Need a quote fast? Request free quotes from licensed grease trap cleaning companies in your city.

Related articles:

• Grease Trap Cleaning Cost in 2026: What to Expect
• What Happens If You Don't Clean Your Grease Trap?