What is a grease trap?
A grease trap is a tank on a commercial kitchen drain that separates fats, oils and grease from wastewater before the water reaches the sewer.
A grease trap is one part of commercial plumbing, and a full grease trap sends grease into the building drain and the public sewer.
What are the 4 signs a grease trap needs cleaning?
The 4 signs a grease trap needs cleaning are listed below.
- Kitchen sinks drain slowly.
- A grease odor fills the kitchen.
- Grease shows at the floor drains.
- The grease layer fills a quarter of the trap depth.
Seeing one of these signs? Call a local plumber now.
Call (607) 305-8020How is a grease trap cleaned?
A grease trap is cleaned in the 4 steps below.
- Opens the trap and measures the grease layer.
- Pumps out the grease and solids.
- Scrapes the walls and baffles.
- Records the service for the maintenance log.
How much does grease trap cleaning cost in Lancaster, PA?
It depends on the trap size, the grease volume and the service frequency, and plumber time runs $70–$120 per hour, according to HomeAdvisor. Drain line jetting after a grease buildup costs more than a standard drain cleaning.
Typical prices for 3 grease trap cleaning jobs are shown in the table below.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Plumber hourly rate | $70–$120 per hour |
| Drain cleaning (one drain) | $147–$345 |
| Main line clog clearing | $100–$800 |
Source: HomeAdvisor national cost data, 2025–2026. Ranges are what most homeowners pay; your plumber gives the price for your job before work starts.
Want a price for your job? Call and describe the problem to a local plumber.
Call (607) 305-8020Related plumbing problems and next steps
When is a grease trap cleaning problem an emergency?
A grease trap cleaning problem is an emergency when the kitchen drains back up during service. Stop running water to the sinks and call for emergency cleaning. Emergency calls for commercial plumbing problems go to an emergency plumber in Lancaster city.
What services are related to grease trap cleaning?
The 1 service related to grease trap cleaning is listed below.
- Commercial plumber is the parent service, and the commercial plumber in Lancaster page covers it in full.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a grease trap need cleaning?
A grease trap needs cleaning when the grease and solids fill a quarter of its depth, and busy kitchens reach that point every 1 to 3 months.