Grease Trap Cleaning in Seattle, WA: Cost, Rules & Top Companies (2026)
Running a commercial kitchen in Seattle? Staying on top of grease trap cleaning keeps you out of a sewer backup and compliant with Washington's FOG rules. Here's what it costs in Seattle, 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 Seattle
Seattle 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 Seattle
Clean when 25% of interceptor volume is grease and food waste — typically every 1–3 months (under Seattle Municipal Code §21.16.300 and §21.16.310). 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.
Seattle Grease Trap Requirements, Permits & Penalties
| Program | Seattle Public Utilities FOG Program — mandatory grease interceptor install and maintenance for all food businesses with a King County Food Business Permit (official page) |
| Governing code | Seattle Municipal Code §21.16.300 and §21.16.310 |
| Permit / registration | Interceptor install plans must be approved; enzyme/emulsifier/bio-additives are prohibited |
| Penalties | $250–$5,000 per violation plus sewer-damage cost recovery |
Always get a signed manifest at every service and keep your records — that's the proof inspectors ask for. For the full Washington breakdown (hauler licensing, record retention, state penalties), see the Washington grease trap regulations guide.
Top Grease Trap Cleaning Companies in Seattle
Screened companies serving Seattle and the surrounding metro:
- The Grease Group · 5.0★ · (425) 247-3990
- Zoom Drain of Seattle · 4.9★ · (206) 866-3782
- Seattle Grease Trap Services · 4.7★ · (360) 779-4000
- Beacon Plumbing · 4.4★ · (206) 452-3130
- Green Planet Plumbing & Sewer LLC · 4.4★ · (206) 207-7625
- Baker Commodities (Seattle) · 3.9★ · (206) 243-7387 / (855) 422-5370
- Green Planet Plumbing & Sewer, LLC · (206) 745-4510
See all grease trap companies in Seattle → or get free quotes from several at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does grease trap cleaning cost in Seattle?
In Seattle, expect roughly $150–$475 for small-to-medium traps and $400–$1,200 for larger interceptors per service. Seattle 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 Seattle?
Clean when 25% of interceptor volume is grease and food waste — typically every 1–3 months 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 Seattle?
Interceptor install plans must be approved; enzyme/emulsifier/bio-additives are prohibited. See the Washington regulations guide for details.
What are the penalties for grease trap violations in Seattle?
$250–$5,000 per violation plus sewer-damage cost recovery Keep a signed manifest from every cleaning and your maintenance records on file — that's what inspectors ask for first.
Get Free Seattle Grease Trap Quotes
Compare screened local companies in minutes — no obligation.
Get My Free Quote