Top Grease Trap Cleaning in Lombard, Illinois Ranked

For any restaurant, food truck, or commercial kitchen in Lombard, managing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) is a critical operational and legal responsibility. Proper grease trap and interceptor maintenance is not just about avoiding clogs; it's a mandated requirement by the Village of Lombard to protect the local sewer system from blockages and environmental harm. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines and operational disruptions. This guide outlines the local regulations, best practices for maintenance, and the importance of establishing a reliable service schedule to ensure your establishment remains in good standing and operates smoothly.

Local ordinances require all food preparation facilities to have an approved and properly sized grease interceptor or trap¹. These units must be easily accessible for service and inspection. The sizing of a grease interceptor is a calculated process, typically based on the liquid holding capacity of connected fixtures and the anticipated flow rate, ensuring it can effectively capture FOG before wastewater enters the public sewer^{2 3}. It is prohibited to connect food waste disposals directly to a grease interceptor, as this can overwhelm the system³. Any installation or modification requires a permit from the Village, which can be managed through their online portal².

Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing of Crestwood

joliet

Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing of Crestwood provides residential and commercial plumbing services throughout Joliet, IL, and the surrounding South Suburbs. The company offers a wide range of plumbing solutions including grease trap cleaning, water heater installation and repair, sump and ejector pump services, sewer line maintenance, and video camera sewer inspections. With over 50 years of experience, they serve communities such as Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Lawn, and more. They are licensed, bonded, and insured, and provide 24/7 emergency plumbing assistance to accommodate urgent needs.

4.9

121 Reviews

Chicago Sewer Experts

4320 1st Ave Unit 108, Lyons, IL 60534

Chicago Sewer Experts provides residential and commercial plumbing and drain cleaning services in Chicago, IL. With over 20 years of experience, they specialize in emergency plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer camera inspections, grease trap services, and sump pump installation and repair. The company is available 24/7 for emergency plumbing needs and serves the greater Chicago area with licensed and insured contractors.

4.7

250 Reviews

A&J Sewer Service

1055 Courtesy Dr, Wheeling, IL 60090

A&J Sewer Service provides grease trap cleaning and sewer system maintenance in Chicago, IL. They use advanced sewer televising technology to inspect sewer lines and offer services including sewer line cleanouts and sump pump installation and maintenance. Their grease trap cleaning services cater to food service businesses, helping prevent clogs and maintain compliance with health regulations. The company combines traditional methods with modern technology to support efficient sewer system operation and infrastructure longevity.

4.7

230 Reviews

Chicago Grease Trap Cleaning

chicago

Chicago Grease Trap Cleaning provides professional grease trap and interceptor pumping and cleaning services in Chicago, IL, and the surrounding 30-mile radius. They serve a wide range of clients including restaurants, schools, residential, commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities. The company is a City of Chicago permitted transporter and specializes in maintaining compliance with local health and safety codes by keeping detailed service records. Their services include grease trap cleaning, pumping, and maintenance, with capabilities such as high-pressure hydro jet cleaning and environmentally responsible waste disposal. Chicago Grease Trap Cleaning offers flexible scheduling including early-hour and late-night services to minimize disruption to business operations.

4.9

27 Reviews

A&P Grease Trappers, Inc

801 N Raddant Rd, Batavia, IL 60510

A&P Grease Trappers, Inc is a family-owned business serving Aurora, IL, and the Chicagoland area since 2006. They specialize in grease trap cleaning, fryer oil recycling and buy-back, drain and sewer cleaning, septic tank pumping, and RPZ testing. Their licensed professionals use modern equipment to maintain compliance and ensure efficient operations for restaurants, businesses, and municipalities. The company offers 24-hour emergency services with a commitment to respond within one hour for urgent needs.

4.6

108 Reviews

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Understanding Lombard's Compliance Requirements

The Village of Lombard enforces specific rules under its municipal code to prevent sewer overflows and infrastructure damage. Compliance hinges on several key actions:

• Regular Inspections: The Village conducts inspections of grease control devices every two years, or more frequently if needed^{1 4}. Being prepared for these inspections is crucial.
• Capacity Maintenance: A core rule is that the combined volume of accumulated solids and scum must not exceed 25% of the trap or interceptor's total capacity^{1 5}. This is the primary trigger for required cleaning.
• Documentation: You must keep detailed, on-site records of all maintenance, cleaning, and pumping services. These logs should include dates, the volume of waste removed, and the service provider's information^{1 6}.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Violations can result in fines of up to $750 per offense¹. In persistent cases, the Village may place a lien on the property until the issue is resolved⁶.

Establishing an Effective Maintenance Schedule

While the Village mandates cleaning before the 25% capacity threshold is reached, the frequency of service is dictated by your kitchen's volume. For many busy Lombard restaurants, monthly grease trap pumping is common^{1 7}. However, a pizza shop may fill its trap faster than a coffee shop. The best practice is to start with a schedule recommended by a professional service provider after an initial assessment and adjust based on your service reports.

A proper service call involves more than just removing the grease. A comprehensive maintenance check should include inspecting and cleaning baffles, checking gaskets and seals for leaks, and ensuring inlet and outlet pipes are clear⁸. The collected FOG waste must be hauled away by a licensed transporter and disposed of at an authorized facility-it is illegal to pour it down drains or sewers⁹.

Cost Considerations for Service

The cost for grease interceptor maintenance in Lombard varies based on the type of service. For restaurants with an ongoing, preventive maintenance contract and easily accessible units, a standard pumping service typically ranges from $125 to $225^{10 11}. This proactive approach is the most cost-effective.

Costs rise significantly for one-time or emergency cleanings, often ranging from $190 to $475 or more^{10 12}. If a trap has been severely neglected, requiring extensive labor for scraping solidified grease and debris, the price can be triple the standard rate^{11 12}. These reactive services are far more expensive and often coincide with compliance violations.

Choosing a Qualified Service Provider

Selecting the right partner for grease trap maintenance is essential. You should hire a licensed FOG hauler who carries the proper insurance and permits required by Illinois and local authorities^{2 7}. Establish a proactive, scheduled maintenance plan with your provider to avoid emergency call-outs and ensure consistent documentation for inspectors. Always verify that the service includes a detailed report of the work performed and waste volumes, as this is your proof of compliance.

Proactive Steps for Restaurant Owners

1. Know Your System: Locate your grease trap or interceptor, ensure it is accessible, and understand its size and capacity.
2. Secure Permits: Use the Village of Lombard's online portal for any installation permits or to schedule required inspections².
3. Contract Reliable Service: Partner with a licensed, insured provider and set up a regular cleaning schedule based on your usage.
4. Maintain Impeccable Records: Keep a dedicated logbook or digital file for every service receipt and report. This is your first line of defense during a Village inspection.
5. Train Your Staff: Educate kitchen employees on best practices to minimize FOG going down the drain, such as scraping plates into trash bins before washing.

Frequently asked questions

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