Grease Trap Cleaning in San Francisco, CA: Cost, Rules & Top Companies (2026)
Running a commercial kitchen in San Francisco? Staying on top of grease trap cleaning keeps you out of a sewer backup and compliant with California's FOG rules. Here's what it costs in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco
San Francisco 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 San Francisco
25% rule with 90-day maximum interval (under San Francisco Public Works Code §140 and §140.5). 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.
San Francisco Grease Trap Requirements, Permits & Penalties
| Program | SFPUC Fats, Oils & Grease Control Program (official page) |
| Governing code | San Francisco Public Works Code §140 and §140.5 |
| Permit / registration | FSE General Wastewater Discharge Permit; SFPUC assigns each kitchen a FOG Discharger Category (1–3); only SFPUC-approved haulers may service traps |
| Penalties | Starting at $500 per violation |
Always get a signed manifest at every service and keep your records — that's the proof inspectors ask for. For the full California breakdown (hauler licensing, record retention, state penalties), see the California grease trap regulations guide.
Top Grease Trap Cleaning Companies in San Francisco
Screened companies serving San Francisco and the surrounding metro:
- MG Grease · 5.0★ · (510) 470-5260
- San Francisco Grease Trap Cleaning · 5.0★ · (415) 968-1930
- Magic Plumbing · 4.9★ · (415) 441-2255
- 24/7 Rooter & Plumbing · 4.5★ · (415) 779-7323
- A-1 Septic Tank Service Inc. · 4.4★ · (510) 886-4455
- The Grease Company · (888) 697-8910
See all grease trap companies in San Francisco → or get free quotes from several at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does grease trap cleaning cost in San Francisco?
In San Francisco, expect roughly $150–$475 for small-to-medium traps and $400–$1,200 for larger interceptors per service. San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
25% rule with 90-day maximum interval 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 San Francisco?
FSE General Wastewater Discharge Permit; SFPUC assigns each kitchen a FOG Discharger Category (1–3); only SFPUC-approved haulers may service traps. See the California regulations guide for details.
What are the penalties for grease trap violations in San Francisco?
Starting at $500 per violation Keep a signed manifest from every cleaning and your maintenance records on file — that's what inspectors ask for first.
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