Grease Trap Cleaning in Philadelphia, PA: Cost, Rules & Top Companies (2026)
Running a commercial kitchen in Philadelphia? Staying on top of grease trap cleaning keeps you out of a sewer backup and compliant with Pennsylvania's FOG rules. Here's what it costs in Philadelphia, how often you're required to clean, the permit and regulation basics, and the local companies that handle it.
What Grease Trap Cleaning Costs in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is in a higher-cost region — the Northeast and West Coast typically run 20–40% above the national baseline, so expect the upper end of these ranges.
| Trap / interceptor size | Typical cost per service |
|---|---|
| Small trap (under 50 gal) | $115 – $240 |
| Medium trap (50–500 gal) | $150 – $475 |
| Large interceptor (500–1,500 gal) | $400 – $1,200 |
| Large interceptor (1,500+ gal) | $475 – $2,500 |
Typical ranges per service — your price depends on trap size, accessibility, and frequency. Recurring contracts usually run 15–30% below one-off rates. Estimate yours with the cost estimator or see the full pricing guide.
How Often You Must Clean It in Philadelphia
Quarterly minimum for most food service establishments; monthly for high-volume kitchens (under PWD Regulations, Chapter 5; Philadelphia Plumbing Code). The industry-standard 25% rule applies either way: clean before fats, oils, and grease reach a quarter of your trap's capacity, because past that point grease passes straight through to the sewer. High-volume kitchens (fryers, BBQ, seafood) often need service more often than the minimum.
Philadelphia Grease Trap Requirements, Permits & Penalties
| Program | Philadelphia Water Department Industrial Waste / FOG Program (jointly enforced with Licenses & Inspections) (official page) |
| Governing code | PWD Regulations, Chapter 5; Philadelphia Plumbing Code |
| Permit / registration | Plumbing permit through L&I; trap sizing per PWD pretreatment guidelines |
| Penalties | Up to $25,000 per day for PWD regulation violations; sewer disconnection possible |
Always get a signed manifest at every service and keep your records — that's the proof inspectors ask for. For the full Pennsylvania breakdown (hauler licensing, record retention, state penalties), see the Pennsylvania grease trap regulations guide.
Top Grease Trap Cleaning Companies in Philadelphia
Screened companies serving Philadelphia and the surrounding metro:
- Grease Scrapers · 5.0★ · (215) 515-4118
- Zoom Drain of Philadelphia · 4.9★ · (215) 584-4436
- Philadelphia Grease Trap Services · 4.5★ · (215) 391-1928
- GTO Grease Trap Services · 4.4★ · (215) 941-1084
See all grease trap companies in Philadelphia → or get free quotes from several at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does grease trap cleaning cost in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, expect roughly $150–$475 for small-to-medium traps and $400–$1,200 for larger interceptors per service. Philadelphia is in a higher-cost region — the Northeast and West Coast typically run 20–40% above the national baseline, so expect the upper end of these ranges. Get 2–3 local quotes to compare — it's free.
How often do I have to clean my grease trap in Philadelphia?
Quarterly minimum for most food service establishments; monthly for high-volume kitchens Regardless of the calendar, clean before FOG and solids reach 25% of capacity — past that, grease escapes to the sewer, which is what triggers violations.
Do I need a permit for a grease trap in Philadelphia?
Plumbing permit through L&I; trap sizing per PWD pretreatment guidelines. See the Pennsylvania regulations guide for details.
What are the penalties for grease trap violations in Philadelphia?
Up to $25,000 per day for PWD regulation violations; sewer disconnection possible Keep a signed manifest from every cleaning and your maintenance records on file — that's what inspectors ask for first.
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