Grease Trap Maintenance: A Practical Checklist for F&B Operators

A small system with big consequences

A grease trap that is not cleaned on time can cause odours, slow drainage and backups, usually at the busiest moment of service. A simple routine avoids most of these problems.

What a servicing visit should cover

• ✓Removal of grease and solids from the trap
• ✓Cleaning of accessible internal surfaces
• ✓A basic condition check of the trap and its access cover
• ✓Safe handling and removal of the waste collected

Scheduling

Match the schedule to how heavily your kitchen uses the trap rather than a fixed calendar guess. Busy kitchens may need more frequent visits. Your contractor can advise based on what they find at each visit.

Records to keep

• ✓Date of each service
• ✓What was done and any issues noticed
• ✓Who carried out the work
• ✓Photos where agreed

Practical points before the first visit

• ✓Where the trap is located and whether it is easy to reach
• ✓Whether visits can happen outside service hours
• ✓Who provides access and who signs off the work
• ✓What to do between visits if you notice odours or slow drains