Top Grease Trap Cleaning in Aurora, Colorado Ranked

For any food service establishment in Aurora, managing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) is a critical operational and legal responsibility. The city enforces specific local codes, aligned with state and regional water quality goals, to prevent sewer blockages and environmental damage. Proper grease trap and interceptor maintenance is not just a recommendation; it's a mandated part of doing business, with detailed requirements for service frequency, record-keeping, and staff training to ensure compliance and avoid significant penalties.

An Affordable Plumber

denver

An Affordable Plumber is a plumbing company serving Denver, CO, and surrounding areas including Littleton and Roxborough. They provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services such as grease trap installation and cleaning, water heater repair and installation, whole house filtration, sump pump services, sewer line repair, and gas line services. The company uses advanced video inspection technology for sewer lines and offers a five-year transferable warranty on sewer and water main replacements. Established in 2000, An Affordable Plumber has over 24 years of experience and offers same-day appointments and financing options to accommodate urgent and budget-conscious needs.

4.9

297 Reviews

Zoom Drain

7808 Cherry Creek S Dr #115, Denver, CO 80231

Zoom Drain is a drain and sewer cleaning company serving Denver, CO, and surrounding areas. They provide services for residential and commercial properties, including grease trap maintenance, drain cleaning, sewer repair, and sump pump replacement. The company uses advanced technology such as high-pressure truck-mounted jetting and video inspection tools to ensure effective solutions. Backed by a national brand with decades of experience, Zoom Drain offers tailored maintenance plans and specialized services for various industries. Their team is known for clear pricing, warranties, and comprehensive maintenance programs.

4.9

232 Reviews

Colorado Pumping

denver

Colorado Pumping is a wastewater management company based in Denver, CO, specializing in grease trap and septic tank pumping services. They serve a range of clients including commercial kitchens, restaurants, hotels, and rural homeowners throughout Denver and surrounding areas such as Arvada, Aurora, Centennial, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, Thornton, Wheat Ridge, and Westminster. Their grease trap pumping helps maintain compliance and prevent blockages in busy commercial facilities, while their septic tank pumping supports efficient wastewater treatment for rural properties. Colorado Pumping is known for accommodating emergency requests and providing timely service.

4.9

91 Reviews

Sewer Experts Denver Sewer Line Repair & Replacement, Drain Scope, Water Lines

6510 E 49th Ave Ste A, Commerce City, CO 80022

Sewer Experts Denver Sewer Line Repair & Replacement, Drain Scope, Water Lines is a locally owned and operated company serving Denver, CO. They provide commercial and residential sewer and water line repair, replacement, and maintenance services, including trenchless sewer repairs using CIPP lining and pipe bursting technologies. With over 20 years of experience, they handle projects ranging from grease trap installation to septic tank services, offering 24/7 emergency sewer repair support. Their certified technicians also perform sewer scope inspections and drain cleaning to diagnose and resolve plumbing issues efficiently.

4.8

160 Reviews

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Denver

1600 Federal Blvd Ste B, Denver, CO 80204

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Denver offers residential and commercial plumbing services in Commerce City, CO, and surrounding areas. Their licensed plumbers provide a range of solutions including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, plumbing repairs, and grease trap pumping. The company uses advanced plumbing technology such as trenchless pipe replacement and video inspections to deliver efficient and minimally disruptive service. Mr. Rooter Plumbing emphasizes clear communication and upfront pricing to ensure customers understand the work being done. They also prioritize safety and cleanliness during every job. Serving a wide area around Denver, the company is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and has a reputation for skilled and courteous service.

4.7

2.0k Reviews

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Understanding Aurora's Grease Control Code

Aurora's regulations are primarily outlined in City Code Chapter 922, which provides a comprehensive framework for grease management ¹. These rules apply to all facilities that generate FOG, including restaurants, cafeterias, bakeries, and any commercial kitchen. The code distinguishes between smaller grease traps (often indoors under sinks) and larger grease interceptors (typically outdoors), but the core principle is the same: prevent FOG from entering the public sewer system. Compliance is monitored by city inspectors, and non-compliance can have serious consequences, including fines and even the suspension or revocation of business licenses ^{2 3}.

Mandatory Maintenance Frequency and Standards

Aurora's code sets clear, non-negotiable benchmarks for when grease control devices must be serviced.

• The 25% Rule: The primary requirement is that a grease trap or interceptor must be pumped out and thoroughly cleaned when the combined FOG and settled solids accumulate to 25% of the unit's liquid capacity ^{1 4}. Waiting until the device is full or nearly full is a direct violation.
• 90-Day Minimum: Even if the 25% threshold is not reached, the city mandates that cleaning must occur at a minimum of every 90 days (quarterly) ⁴. Some establishments with high-volume cooking may require monthly service.
• Documentation is Key: You cannot simply claim your trap is not full. The burden of proof is on the business owner. To request a waiver from the 90-day schedule, you must provide certified documentation from a licensed service provider demonstrating that the 25% capacity has not been exceeded ⁴. This typically requires detailed service reports and measurements.

Required Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Beyond just pumping the trap, Aurora requires facilities to implement daily practices that reduce FOG entering the drainage system. These BMPs are a formal part of the code and essential for passing inspections ^{1 2}.

• Dry Wiping: All pots, pans, dishes, and kitchen utensils must be wiped clean of food scraps and grease with a paper towel or scraper before being rinsed or washed.
• Proper Food Waste Disposal: Food scraps and solids must be collected in leak-proof bags and disposed of in the trash or compost, never down the drain.
• Use of Absorbents: In areas where grease spills may occur, the use of absorbent materials is encouraged to capture grease before it can be washed into floor drains.
• Employee Training: All kitchen staff must be trained on these BMPs. The city even provides resources, such as training videos, to assist with this requirement ². Annual training is mandated, and records must be kept.

Comprehensive Record-Keeping and Logs

Aurora inspectors have the right to request your maintenance records at any time. Falsifying these records is unlawful ^{2 3}. A complete compliance file should include:

• Service Manifests/Invoices: Every cleaning service must be documented with a detailed receipt or manifest from the licensed hauler. This should include the date, company name, volume of waste removed, and disposal location.
• Maintenance Logbook: An on-site log where staff can record visual inspections, any issues noted, and the dates of professional service.
• Employee Training Records: Documentation showing which employees completed FOG BMP training and when.
• Monitoring Data: Any internal measurements or reports related to grease trap levels.

Inspection and Enforcement: What to Expect

The City of Aurora and supporting districts like the Niwot Sanitation District take grease enforcement seriously to protect infrastructure ².

• Routine Inspections: City officials conduct regular inspections of food service facilities. They will inspect the physical condition of your grease trap/interceptor and review all required maintenance and training records ^{1 2}.
• Severe Penalties for Non-Compliance: Consequences for violations can escalate quickly. They may start with warnings and fines but can lead to more severe actions. Notably, the city code ties compliance to liquor licensing, meaning repeated or severe violations can result in the suspension or revocation of a business's liquor license ³.
• Proactive Compliance Pays Off: Establishing a consistent, documented service relationship with a reputable grease trap cleaning provider is the most effective way to pass inspections and avoid operational disruptions.

Understanding Service Costs in Aurora

The cost for professional grease interceptor maintenance in Aurora varies based on several factors, but understanding the typical range helps in budgeting. Prices are influenced by the size and type of your trap, how frequently service is needed, and whether you have a scheduled service contract.

• Indoor Grease Traps: For smaller, under-sink units that are regularly maintained, a single cleaning service can range from approximately $175 to over $475 ^{5 6}.
• Outdoor Grease Interceptors: Larger in-ground interceptors common for restaurants typically cost more. For a standard 1,000 to 1,500-gallon unit, pumping and cleaning often falls in the range of $225 to $315 per service ⁶. Many providers offer discounted rates for businesses that commit to a regular quarterly or monthly service plan.
• Cost Factors: The final price depends on the volume of grease and solids removed, the accessibility of the trap, and the disposal fees charged by the service provider. Neglected traps that require emergency service or extensive cleaning will always cost significantly more.

The Risks of DIY or Inadequate Cleaning

While it may be tempting to handle grease trap maintenance internally or hire the cheapest available service, this poses significant risks. Inadequate cleaning that leaves FOG and solids behind will lead to faster re-accumulation, unpleasant odors, and almost certain code violations during an inspection. Furthermore, improper disposal of grease waste is illegal and can result in separate fines. Partnering with a licensed, insured, and reputable provider ensures the job is done to the city's standard, with proper documentation provided for your records.

Building a Compliant Operation

Successfully managing your facility's grease in Aurora involves creating a system:

1. Schedule Regular Professional Service: Contract with a licensed provider for service at least quarterly, or more frequently as needed.
2. Implement Daily BMPs: Train every employee on dry wiping and proper waste disposal. Post reminder signs in dishwashing areas.
3. Maintain Impeccable Records: Keep a dedicated binder or digital folder for all manifests, logs, and training certificates.
4. Conduct Pre-Inspection Checks: Periodically review your own records and visually check your trap to ensure no issues are developing.

Adhering to Aurora's grease control ordinances is a fundamental aspect of responsible restaurant management. It protects your business from penalties, helps maintain a clean and efficient kitchen, and contributes to the community's environmental health.

Frequently asked questions

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