Grease traps and local food service businesses
Restaurants, cafeterias, bakeries and other commercial kitchens in Tempe send fats, oils and grease down their drains every day, and a grease trap or interceptor holds it back before it reaches the public sewer. When the trap is not emptied often enough, grease and food solids build up, drains slow down and backups follow.
Small indoor traps under sinks usually need grease trap pumping more often than large in-ground interceptors, which are emptied with a vacuum truck on a set schedule. A provider serving Tempe can look at your equipment and your kitchen's volume and suggest how often to book grease interceptor pumping or cleaning.
Grease trap services in Tempe, AZ
Grease Trap Pumping
Will the trap be emptied completely, including the solids at the bottom? Ask this when you call, since removing only the grease layer leaves material that takes up space. If the trap’s contents have built up, arrange grease trap pumping to remove the grease, wastewater and settled solids.
Grease Trap Cleaning
Grease trap cleaning goes beyond pumping by clearing residue stuck to the inside of the trap. If grease remains on the baffle or around the outlet tee after the contents are removed, ask about grease trap cleaning. Cleaning generally removes the contents and clears buildup from accessible surfaces.
Grease Interceptor Cleaning
Grease interceptor cleaning generally removes the contents and clears buildup from accessible walls, baffles and the outlet tee. A coating left on those surfaces after pumping can mean the tank needs further attention. Arrange grease interceptor cleaning if you can see grease clinging inside when the cover is open.
Grease Interceptor Pumping
The interceptor cover is open, and a layer of grease is floating above the wastewater. That can mean the tank needs its contents removed. When you arrange grease interceptor pumping, ask the provider whether they can check the outlet tee after emptying the tank. Pumping generally removes grease, liquid and settled solids.
Local grease trap requirements
Start with the office that oversees your kitchen’s sewer connection, usually the city or sewer district serving your address. Ask what service schedule it requires, whether you need a permit, and which records to keep. Use those answers to set your calendar. File the hauler’s service record after each visit.
Nearby service areas
The same number reaches providers serving nearby areas. Businesses with more than one location can call once per site and enter each ZIP code.
Common grease trap questions
How often do Tempe restaurants need grease trap pumping?
If your menu or dishwashing volume changes, an old pumping schedule may no longer fit. Trap size and local requirements matter too. Your sewer utility may also set a schedule or a fullness limit, so ask it before you settle on one. A provider can use your service records to suggest a schedule based on current kitchen use.
Do providers serving Tempe handle in-ground interceptors?
Many providers work on in-ground interceptors, though access can differ from an indoor trap. Say which setup you have, give its size if known, and mention any covers that are hard to reach. Call to check availability for that work.
Who will I be speaking to when I call?
A short automated prompt asks for your ZIP code, then routes your call to an independent grease trap service provider covering Tempe. We are a connection service and do not perform the work. The provider you speak with sets the price, schedule and terms.