Question 1

How often should grease traps be cleaned in San Francisco?

Accepted Answer

Most grease traps in San Francisco should be cleaned every 1–3 months for commercial kitchens, and every 1–3 years for residential applications, depending on usage. The 'quarter rule' is a common guideline: clean when the combined depth of floating grease and settled solids reaches 25% of the trap's liquid depth. Local health codes may mandate specific cleaning frequencies for food service establishments.

Question 2

What happens if I don't clean my grease trap?

Accepted Answer

A neglected grease trap will overflow FOG into the municipal sewer system — which is illegal in most jurisdictions and results in fines. Closer to home, you'll experience slow drains, sewer backups, foul odors, and potential health code violations (for commercial kitchens). Regular cleaning is far cheaper than emergency plumbing calls or regulatory penalties.

Question 3

Do restaurants in San Francisco need permits for grease trap service?

Accepted Answer

Commercial food service establishments in San Francisco typically must maintain grease traps under local pretreatment regulations and may need to keep cleaning logs for health inspectors. Your licensed plumber can provide service documentation you need for compliance. Residential grease traps generally don't require permits for routine cleaning.

Grease Trap Cleaning in San Francisco

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