Top Grease Trap Cleaning in Lynn, Massachusetts Ranked

For any restaurant or food service business in Lynn, managing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) is a critical operational and legal responsibility. Proper grease trap and interceptor maintenance is not just about avoiding unpleasant backups; it's a requirement enforced by both Massachusetts state law and local Lynn authorities to protect the city's sewer infrastructure. Failure to adhere to strict cleaning and inspection schedules can result in significant fines, operational shutdowns, and costly emergency repairs. This guide outlines the essential regulations, best practices, and cost considerations for maintaining compliance and ensuring your kitchen runs smoothly.

Understanding the specific rules that apply to your establishment is the first step. In Massachusetts, the primary regulations are found in the State Plumbing Code (248 CMR) and the Water Pollution Control regulations (310 CMR 15.230 et seq.) ^{1 2}. These state-level rules set the baseline, which local health boards, like the Lynn Board of Health, and sewer departments enforce with additional oversight ^{3 4}. The cornerstone of compliance is a documented maintenance routine involving regular inspections and professional pumping by licensed haulers.

Rooterman

boston

Rooterman is a plumbing and drain cleaning company serving Boston, MA, with over 50 years of experience. They offer a range of services including grease trap cleaning, emergency plumbing, water damage cleanup, and water heater repair and replacement. Rooterman uses advanced techniques such as power drain snakes, high-pressure water jets, and video inspections to locate and resolve plumbing issues efficiently. Their technicians are available for emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

5.0

328 Reviews

Elite drains llc

468 Wood Ln, North Andover, MA 01845

Elite Drains LLC is a drain and sewer cleaning company based in Lawrence, MA, serving the North Shore area and traveling up to 60 miles for clients. They specialize in sewer and drain cleaning, including main line, branch line, and connection plumbing, and offer professional video inspections to assess plumbing conditions. The company provides 24/7 emergency service for both residential and commercial properties, ensuring availability for urgent drain and sewer issues. Their team is fully insured and trained to handle jobs of any size with advanced tools and technology.

5.0

248 Reviews

Rooter Man

46 Portland St, Lawrence, MA 01843

Rooter Man is a service provider based in Lawrence, MA, specializing in commercial and residential septic, sewer, and drain services. They serve Northeast Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, offering a wide range of services including grease trap cleaning, high-pressure jetting, video camera inspections up to 36 inches, pipe locating, and septic tank pumping. The company also provides 24/7 emergency rodding services for clogged drains, sewer backups, and septic overflows. Rooter Man supports both homes and businesses such as restaurants and office buildings, with preventive maintenance scheduling available to help maintain systems and prevent issues.

5.0

98 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

50 Franklin St #407, Boston, MA 02110

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides comprehensive plumbing and water cleanup services in Boston, MA. They handle a wide range of needs including floodwater cleanup, sewer and drain cleaning, faucet and toilet repairs, water heater services, grease trap maintenance, and mold remediation. Serving both residential and commercial clients, their team is experienced with Boston's unique plumbing challenges, such as older infrastructure and seasonal weather impacts. Founded in 1935, Roto-Rooter offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services, ensuring assistance is available at any time. Their capabilities include high-pressure hydro-jetting for drain cleaning and extensive sewer line repairs.

4.8

3.0k Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

175 Maple St, Stoughton, MA 02072

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup offers comprehensive residential and commercial plumbing services in Brockton, MA. The company specializes in sewer and drain cleaning, grease trap maintenance, water heater repair and installation, and emergency flood and water damage cleanup. They provide 24/7 availability, 365 days a year, to address urgent plumbing issues including sewer backups and burst pipes. Roto-Rooter uses advanced equipment such as high-pressure water jetting (hydro-jetting) and trenchless pipe replacement techniques for efficient sewer line repairs. Serving a broad area around Brockton, they bring extensive experience and local knowledge to their work.

4.8

2.4k Reviews

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Understanding Massachusetts and Lynn Grease Trap Regulations

The regulatory framework for grease management in Lynn is built on state mandates with local enforcement. The key statute is 310 CMR 15.351, which governs system pumping and routine maintenance for grease interceptors ⁵. This regulation explicitly requires that grease traps be pumped and cleaned at a frequency that prevents the accumulation of FOG from exceeding 25% of the trap's liquid depth. For most high-volume food service establishments, this typically translates to a mandatory cleaning at least every 90 days (quarterly) ^{6 7}. However, the "25% full" rule is paramount; if your trap reaches that threshold sooner, it must be serviced immediately regardless of the calendar date.

Local authorities, specifically the Lynn Board of Health and the Lynn Water & Sewer Commission, are responsible for ensuring businesses follow these rules. They conduct inspections, review maintenance records, and have the authority to issue fines and compliance orders ³. Non-compliance can begin with a warning but may escalate to substantial penalties. There have been instances of Massachusetts restaurants facing recurring fines for inadequate grease trap pumping, highlighting the importance of a proactive approach ⁴.

Mandatory Inspection and Cleaning Schedules

A compliant maintenance program has two core components: owner-performed inspections and professional cleaning.

Monthly Visual Inspections: Business owners or operators are legally required to perform and document a visual inspection of their grease interceptor at least once per month ^{6 7 8}. This involves checking the depth of FOG and solids accumulation. Detailed records of these inspections, including the date, inspector's name, and the observed conditions, must be kept on-site for review by health inspectors.

Professional Pumping and Cleaning: The actual removal of waste must be performed by a licensed waste hauler registered with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) ^{6 2}. The standard requirement is pumping a minimum of every three months, but as noted, the 25% rule may necessitate more frequent service ¹. After pumping, the hauler should provide a detailed service report or manifest. This document is a crucial part of your compliance records and should be filed alongside your monthly inspection logs.

The Real Cost of Grease Trap Service in Lynn

Investing in regular maintenance is far more economical than dealing with the consequences of neglect. Service costs in the Lynn area vary based on several factors, including the size and type of your trap (indoor vs. outdoor), its accessibility, and the volume of material to be removed.

• Routine Quarterly Pumping: For a standard outdoor grease interceptor, expect costs to range from $250 to $400 or more per service ⁹. Smaller indoor grease traps can range from $175 to $475 for cleaning ¹⁰.
• Emergency Service Calls: If a trap overflows, causes a backup, or triggers a violation, emergency service fees skyrocket. These urgent calls can easily cost $800 to $1,200 or more, not including any fines or repair costs for damaged plumbing or sewer lines ⁹.
• Cost Factors: Prices are influenced by the trap's capacity (in gallons), how clogged it is, and whether it requires high-pressure jetting for complete cleaning. Establishing a regular service contract with a licensed provider often leads to more predictable pricing and can help avoid the premium charges associated with emergency calls.

Consequences of Non-Compliance: Fines and Enforcement

The Lynn Board of Health and Sewer Commission take grease management seriously due to its direct impact on public infrastructure. Sewer blockages caused by FOG can lead to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), which are environmental hazards and costly for the city to address. Enforcement typically follows a progressive path:

1. Inspection & Warning: During a routine health inspection or in response to a sewer issue, an official may discover inadequate records or a trap exceeding the 25% limit. This often results in a formal warning and a mandated cleanup deadline.
2. Fines and Compliance Orders: Failure to rectify the issue can lead to financial penalties. Fines can be levied per day of non-compliance and may increase for repeat offenses ⁴. The city may also issue a compliance order that legally requires specific actions by a set date.
3. Permit Suspension or Revocation: In severe or persistent cases, the health board can suspend or revoke a food establishment's operating permit, effectively shutting down the business until the grease management system is brought into full compliance and all fines are paid.

Choosing a Licensed Service Provider in Lynn

Not all pumping companies are equal in the eyes of regulators. To ensure your service counts toward compliance, you must hire a hauler licensed by MassDEP to transport grease and solid waste ^{5 2}. When vetting providers, ask for proof of their state licensure and insurance. A reputable company will not only pump the trap but also provide a thorough cleaning of the interior walls and baffles and supply you with a detailed service manifest for your records. It is advisable to get quotes from several licensed local providers to compare service scope and pricing.

Essential Steps for Lynn Restaurant Owners

1. Know Your Trap: Identify the type, size, and location of your grease interceptor. Understand its capacity and typical fill rate.
2. Establish a Log: Create a dedicated logbook for monthly inspections. Document every check without fail.
3. Contact Local Authorities: Reach out to the Lynn Board of Health and the Lynn Water & Sewer Commission to confirm any local permit requirements or specific reporting protocols. Proactive communication is always beneficial.
4. Schedule Regular Service: Contract with a MassDEP-licensed grease hauler for quarterly (or more frequent) pumping. Stick to the schedule.
5. File All Documentation: Keep all monthly inspection logs and professional service manifests in an organized, easily accessible file. This is your primary evidence of compliance during an inspection.

By adhering to a disciplined schedule of inspections and professional cleanings, Lynn food service operators can avoid costly fines, protect the local sewer system, and ensure their business remains in good standing with public health authorities.

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