Grease Trap Cleaning: How Often Is Required for UK Commercial Kitchens?

Grease trap cleaning is not just routine maintenance. For UK commercial kitchens, it helps prevent blocked drains, foul odours, hygiene issues and costly callouts. One of the most common questions we hear is how often a grease trap actually needs to be cleaned.

The answer depends on the type of kitchen, volume of use and local authority expectations. Ignoring grease trap maintenance can quickly lead to disruption, compliance issues and avoidable expense.

How often should a grease trap be cleaned?

In most UK commercial kitchens, grease traps should be professionally cleaned every 4 to 12 weeks.

As a general guide:

High use kitchens such as restaurants and takeaways usually require cleaning every 4 to 6 weeks
Moderate use kitchens such as cafés and pubs typically require cleaning every 6 to 8 weeks
Lower use kitchens such as care homes and staff canteens may manage with cleaning every 8 to 12 weeks

Many businesses also work to the 25% rule, meaning a grease trap should be cleaned once fats, oils and grease reach around a quarter of the trap’s capacity. Exceeding this level greatly increases the risk of blockages and overflows.

What affects grease trap cleaning frequency?

There is no one size fits all schedule. Several factors influence how quickly a grease trap fills up.

Type of food prepared

Kitchens producing fried foods, grilled meats or creamy sauces generate higher volumes of fats and oils, meaning grease traps need cleaning more frequently.

Size of the grease trap

Smaller under sink grease traps reach capacity faster than larger external units. Many smaller traps require monthly professional attention.

Volume of covers

A busy kitchen serving large numbers of meals each day will generally need more frequent grease trap cleaning than a low footfall operation.

Local authority expectations

Environmental Health Officers may expect evidence of regular grease trap maintenance during inspections, particularly where drainage issues or odours have been reported.

Is grease trap cleaning a legal requirement in the UK?

There is no single law stating an exact cleaning interval, but commercial kitchens are legally responsible for preventing fats, oils and grease from entering the public sewer.

Poor grease trap maintenance can lead to:

Water company enforcement under trade effluent rules
Environmental Health action
Pollution incidents and potential fines
Recovery costs for sewer damage or blockages

You can read more guidance in our grease trap advice hub, which covers regulations, common problems and best practice.

Signs your grease trap needs cleaning urgently

Even with a planned maintenance schedule, some warning signs should never be ignored:

Strong or persistent foul smells
Slow draining sinks or floor drains
Grease backing up into kitchen areas
Visible grease escaping into drainage lines
An overflowing grease trap chamber

These symptoms often indicate a developing blockage and may lead to the need for emergency drainage services if not dealt with promptly.

Can grease traps be cleaned in house?

Basic surface skimming can be carried out in house, but this is not a substitute for professional grease trap cleaning.

A proper service typically includes:

Full removal of fats, oils and settled solids
Thorough washing of internal surfaces
Inspection for damage or system failure
Legal and licensed waste disposal

DIY cleaning often leaves heavy waste behind, increasing the risk of blockages and the need for blocked drain callouts.

Professional grease trap cleaning for UK commercial kitchens

Routine grease trap cleaning protects your drainage system, reduces emergency callouts and helps your kitchen operate safely and compliantly.

Maintain Drains provides professional grease trap cleaning, emptying and maintenance services as part of our commercial drainage services across Dorset, Hampshire and the surrounding areas.

If you are unsure how often your grease trap should be cleaned, we can advise and help you put a planned maintenance schedule in place.

Call now or use our enquiry form to arrange grease trap cleaning or request a site assessment.

Frequently asked questions

How much does grease trap cleaning cost in the UK?

Costs vary depending on the size of the grease trap, access and the level of build up present. Regular maintenance is usually far more cost effective than emergency callouts.