A grease trap is a plumbing device designed to intercept most greases and solids before they enter a wastewater disposal system. Common wastewater contains small amounts of oils which enter into septic tanks and treatment facilities to form a floating scum layer. It's not one of the most glamorous jobs, nor something you necessarily want to have to think about, but when it comes down to it you still want competitive pricing.

How to estimate grease trap cleaning prices

The cost of grease trap cleaning services will vary due to many different variables. Many of them are simple enough variables but there may be some elements you haven't thought of.

Size of job

Depending on the size of the job the grease trap cleaning cost differs. Most suppliers have a minimum trap size of 1000 litres for the grease trap cleaning price. This means that even if your grease trap is smaller than 1000 litres, you will be charged for 1000 litres.

Type of trap being cleaned

There are three types of commercial grease traps most commonly used:

• Hydromechanical grease traps: These are smaller and installed close to the fixture of the point of use.
• Gravity grease interceptors: these traps are more efficient than typical grease traps able to hold up to 500 gallons and sit underground outside the facility.
• Automatic grease removal units (AGRU): These grease traps are more efficient but more expensive. They can either be placed at the fixture and often can manage an entire restaurant.

Service time

Depending on the size of the job the service time differs. The smaller jobs would probably take around 20-30 minutes to complete the job. However, larger grease traps which are around 5,000-gallon grease traps would take a cleaner approximately 2-4 hours to clean it.

Emergency calls ins

Emergency grease trap cleaning is significantly more expensive as other customers need to be rescheduled slightly to make room in a busy schedule to perform your emergency service. To avoid paying the extra for emergency situations for grease trap cleaning it is encouraged to service your traps frequently. As well as avoiding pouring oils and fat done the sink to reduce build-up.

Time since last clean

Depending on the type of business or home you have your grease trap services should be between 6 (once every 2 months) and 12 (monthly) times a year. The relevant authorities in your region mandate the frequency. If you have not had your grease trap cleaned frequently the longer the time between cleans will increase the cost when you finally do get your grease trap cleaned.

Location of the grease trap

The access conditions will be checked which can affect the costs of the grease trap servicing. Grease trap locations can be in a number of common places. The most common location is outside at the back of the business. However, grease traps can also be located inside buildings such as in underground car parks or basements which would mean a mobile vac unit is needed which would add costs to the service.

Pricing in different states

• Canberra grease interceptor price: $260+GST for a 1000-litre grease interceptor
• Newcastle and Central Coast grease interceptor price: $220+GST for a 1000-litre grease interceptor
• Darwin grease interceptor price: $350+GST for a 1000-litre grease interceptor
• Adelaide grease interceptor price: $190+GST for a 1000-litre grease interceptor
• Hobart, Launceston, Devenport and Burnie grease interceptor price: $230+GST for a 1000-litre grease interceptor
• Perth grease interceptor price: $190+GST for a 1000-litre grease interceptor
• Melbourne grease interceptor price: $230+GST for a 1000-litre grease interceptor
• Brisbane and Gold Coast grease interceptor price: $170+GST for a 1000-litre grease interceptor
• Sydney grease interceptor price: $210+GST for a 1000-litre grease interceptor

How often do I need to get grease trap cleaning?

A good rule of thumb for any cleaning schedule is every one to three months. Frequent cleaning is key for any busy businesses with multiple fryers such as fast food restaurants. It is essential for busy restaurants and kitchens to ensure that oil, fat and grease from cooked food is disposed of properly. Grease traps must be cleaned out regularly as they are full of food waste. Grease trap maintenance must be completed as if it goes on long enough the food trapped in it can let a rotting smell back into the restaurant.

Tips for maintaining your grease trap properly

1. Scrape all the leftover food off your plates so it does not get caught in you waste disposal
2. Dry wipe plates and utensils to remove excess grease before washing
3. Use only the amount of cooking oils and fats you need
4. Collect and store all used cooking oils and fast do not let it go down the drain
5. Regularly clean sink strainers and put them back to prevent food particles from collecting in your grease trap
6. Ensure all your kitchen staff are trained to correctly dispose of fat and oils.
   
   

How can I find the best grease trap cleaning cost possible?

If you don't have the time to do the legwork and find a grease trap cleaner, simply contact the team at iseekplant! We do all the heavy lifting for you; give us a call on 1300 691 912 or email your job specifications to us and we'll find the best grease trap cleaning services for all your cleaning needs.