Top Grease Trap Cleaning in Stonecrest, Georgia Ranked

For any restaurant or food service establishment in Stonecrest, proper grease interceptor maintenance isn't just a good practice-it's a legal requirement. The city falls under DeKalb County's strict Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) ordinance, designed to protect the local sewer system from costly blockages and environmental damage. Compliance involves installing the correct equipment, obtaining an annual permit, and adhering to a mandated cleaning and record-keeping schedule. Failure to do so can result in significant fines, re-inspection fees, and even the suspension of your business license. This guide outlines the essential regulations, best practices, and cost considerations for managing your grease trap effectively in Stonecrest.

Zoom Drain

8601 Dunwoody Pl, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Zoom Drain is a specialist in sewer and drain cleaning services based in Sandy Springs, GA. They serve residential and commercial customers in Sandy Springs and nearby areas, offering expert solutions for clogged drains, sump pump replacements, and grease trap maintenance. The company is known for using safe and sustainable cleaning methods to extend the life of pipes and prevent damage from harsh chemicals. Zoom Drain also provides tailored maintenance plans and advanced technology to support property managers and contractors. Their services include grease trap installation and hydrojetting, addressing complex plumbing issues with experienced technicians.

5.0

221 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

2805 Peachtree Industrial Blvd #110, Duluth, GA 30097

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services in Sandy Springs, GA, including commercial plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line services, water heater repairs, and grease trap cleaning. They use advanced techniques such as hydro-jetting and video camera sewer inspections to address complex plumbing issues. The company serves the Duluth metro area and offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to handle urgent problems at any time.

4.9

683 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

997 Commerce Dr SW Ste 300, Conyers, GA 30094

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services in Stonecrest, GA, including residential and commercial plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, and grease trap cleaning. They offer specialized capabilities such as hydro-jetting and water damage cleanup. The company serves multiple counties around Conyers and has a strong local presence. Roto-Rooter is available 24/7 for emergency plumbing services, ensuring help is accessible anytime.

4.9

642 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

101 Yorktown Dr Ste 190, Fayetteville, GA 30214

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup offers a wide range of plumbing services in South Fulton, GA, including floodwater cleanup, sewer and drain cleaning, water heater repairs, and grease trap maintenance. Serving both residential and commercial clients, they provide specialized capabilities such as high-pressure hydro-jetting and trenchless sewer line replacement. Established in 1935, Roto-Rooter has a long history of plumbing expertise and offers 24/7 emergency service for urgent plumbing issues.

4.9

442 Reviews

Wind River Environmental

south fulton

Wind River Environmental provides septic, grease trap, and drain cleaning services in South Fulton, GA. Serving residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial clients, the company offers comprehensive wastewater management solutions including septic pumping, plumbing, and system installation. With over 75 years of experience as part of the Wind River Environmental network, they ensure compliance with local regulations and environmental protection. The company also offers 24/7 emergency services to address urgent needs promptly.

4.9

202 Reviews

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Understanding DeKalb County's FOG Ordinance

Stonecrest restaurants must comply with DeKalb County's comprehensive FOG program. The core mandate requires every food service establishment to have properly sized and permitted grease interceptors or traps ^{1 2}. The ordinance is explicit: these devices cannot be merely skimmed; they require a full pump-out of both solids and liquids during each service ^{3 4}. A key rule for determining service frequency is the "30% Rule," which states that a trap must be cleaned before the combined FOG and solids accumulate to 30% of the trap's volume ^{5 6}. For high-volume kitchens or those with smaller traps, this often means service is needed more frequently than the standard quarterly schedule.

Mandatory Cleaning Schedules & Documentation

Your cleaning schedule is not a suggestion-it's a binding part of your FOG Discharge Permit. While many establishments are on a 90-day (quarterly) cycle, your specific frequency is determined by your trap's size and your kitchen's grease production ⁷. Establishments with high FOG output or smaller traps may require monthly cleaning to stay compliant with the 30% rule ⁵. It's critical to understand that solids interceptors, often found in dishwashing lines, may need attention as often as daily to prevent backups ⁴.

After each service, your provider will supply a detailed manifest or cleaning record. You are legally required to keep these manifests on-site for a minimum of three years for inspection by county officials ^{3 8}. These documents are the primary proof of your compliance and are routinely reviewed during both scheduled and unannounced inspections ⁹.

The Inspection Process & Consequences of Non-Compliance

DeKalb County conducts periodic inspections to enforce the FOG ordinance. These often coincide with your annual permit renewal but can also be triggered by complaints or sewer line issues ^{8 7}. During an inspection, officials will check for:

• A valid, current FOG Discharge Permit.
• Accessibility of all grease control devices for maintenance and inspection.
• Complete and accurate manifest records for the past three years.
• Physical condition of the trap and surrounding area.

Non-compliance carries serious penalties. Violations can lead to substantial fines, and if a trap is found to be in violation, you will be charged a re-inspection fee (often $100 or more per trap) once it is serviced ^{8 7}. In severe or repeat cases, the county has the authority to suspend your wastewater discharge permit, which can effectively shut down your operations until the issue is resolved ¹.

Cost Factors for Grease Interceptor Service

The cost to clean and pump your grease trap in Stonecrest is not a flat fee; it varies based on several key factors ^{10 11}:

• Trap Size and Location: Small indoor grease traps (often 20-50 gallons) are the least expensive to service, typically ranging from $100 to $200 per cleaning. Large outdoor grease interceptors (1,000 gallons or more) require more labor, equipment, and disposal capacity, with costs starting around $400 and can exceed $1,000 per service ^{12 10}.
• Service Frequency: Establishments on a monthly schedule will have a higher annual cost than those on a quarterly schedule, though each individual service might be slightly less labor-intensive if the trap is maintained regularly.
• Trap Condition: A severely neglected trap with excessive solidified grease and solid waste buildup requires more time and effort to pump and clean, leading to higher charges. Regular maintenance helps control these costs.
• Permit Fees: Remember to budget for the annual FOG Discharge Permit fee, which is separate from cleaning costs and is set by the county ⁸.

Best Practices for Kitchen Staff

Compliance starts in the kitchen. Educating your staff on proper practices can extend the time between necessary pump-outs, reduce the risk of clogs, and lower your overall maintenance costs ⁵.

• Scrape, Don't Rinse: All plates, pots, and pans should be thoroughly scraped into a trash bin before being rinsed or placed in a dishwasher.
• Use Strainers: Install and consistently use sink strainers to catch food solids.
• No Grease Down the Drain: Never pour used cooking oil, grease, or fatty liquids down any drain. Collect these in dedicated containers for proper recycling or disposal.
• Minize Garbage Disposal Use: Avoid using garbage disposals for food waste, as this sends fine solids directly into your plumbing and grease interceptor.

Taking Action: Next Steps for Stonecrest Restaurants

1. Verify Your Permit: Ensure your annual FOG Discharge Permit from DeKalb County is current. Fees are based on the number of traps and are adjusted periodically ⁸.
2. Know Your Equipment: Locate all your grease interceptors and traps, note their sizes and locations (indoor/outdoor), and ensure they are easily accessible.
3. Review Your Records: Audit your manifest files to ensure you have at least three years' worth of cleaning documentation readily available.
4. Schedule Service Proactively: Don't wait for an inspection notice or a clog. Work with a reputable service provider to establish a compliant pumping schedule based on your specific needs.
5. Contact the Authority: For the most precise and current information regarding Stonecrest's application of the rules, contact the DeKalb County Department of Public Works or the relevant watershed management division ^{1 3}.

Frequently asked questions

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