Grease Trap Cleaning
A grease trap sits in the drain line to catch fats, oils, and grease before they reach the sewer, and it must be pumped out regularly or it stops working. A full trap causes slow drains, foul odors, and backups. FlowFast connects you with an independent local plumber who can clean and service your grease trap properly.
- Connected with an independent local pro — never a call center queue.
- Part of our Drain Cleaning services — explained up front.
Parent service
Drain CleaningSlow or clogged drain? What professional drain cleaning involves, when a plunger is enough, and how to get connected with an independent local plumber.
View all Drain Cleaning servicesGrease traps do an unglamorous but essential job: they intercept fats, oils, and grease from kitchen wastewater before those substances can congeal in the sewer line and cause a blockage — or earn you a fine from the local sewer authority. The trap works by slowing the water so grease floats to the top and solids sink, but its capacity is finite. Once the grease layer fills the trap, wastewater passes straight through carrying grease with it, and the trap becomes nothing more than a smelly box in your drain line.
FlowFast connects you with an independent local plumber who can service your grease trap correctly: pumping out the accumulated grease and solids completely, scraping the walls and baffles clean, and inspecting the inlet, outlet, and baffles for damage. A proper cleaning is a full pump-out, not just skimming the top. The pro can also help you set a sensible pumping schedule based on your kitchen's volume, since waiting until drains back up always costs more than routine service. A professional clearing restores full flow and reveals the true condition of the line.
Warning signs
Signs you need this service
- Kitchen drains running slowly or backing up even though the visible pipes look clear. Which usually signals a problem that needs a pro.
- Strong, rancid odors coming from drains or from the trap location itself. Which tends to worsen the longer it is left alone.
- Grease visibly passing through or around the trap, or surfacing in downstream cleanouts. Which usually signals a problem that needs a pro.
- It has been months since the last pump-out, or you have no record of when it was last serviced. And do not ignore it.
What to expect
The process, step by step
The pro opens the trap and assesses the grease and solids levels plus the condition of baffles. Which prevents callbacks and repeat visits.
The entire contents are pumped out — a full cleaning, not just skimming the surface layer. Giving you confidence the job is complete.
Walls, baffles, inlet, and outlet are scraped clean and inspected for damage or corrosion. So there are no surprises during the visit.
The trap is reassembled, flow is tested, and a sensible pumping schedule is recommended for your volume. Ensuring the problem is fully resolved.
Prevention
How to avoid this problem
- Scrape plates and wipe greasy cookware into the trash before washing — the trap is a last defense, not a disposal.
- Keep a log of pump-out dates and stick to a schedule based on your kitchen's grease output. Year after year.
- Train everyone in the kitchen on what goes down the drain, since one careless shift can overload a trap.
Frequently asked questions
More Drain Cleaning services
Other drain cleaning jobs homeowners ask about.
Plumbing problem? Don't wait on it.
Tell us what's happening and we'll connect you with an independent local plumber who fits the job.