Top Grease Trap Cleaning in Bloomington, Minnesota Ranked

For every restaurant, café, and food service establishment in Bloomington, proper grease trap and interceptor maintenance is not just a best practice-it's a legal requirement. The City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) enforces a strict Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Management Program to protect the local sewer system from costly blockages and environmental damage. Compliance hinges on understanding specific local rules, including mandatory cleaning frequencies, the critical "25% rule," and working with approved haulers. Staying ahead of these regulations prevents severe fines, keeps your kitchen running smoothly, and can lead to significant long-term savings by avoiding emergency repairs.

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

1821 University Ave W #317, St Paul, MN 55104

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides comprehensive plumbing services in Minneapolis, MN, specializing in both residential and commercial plumbing needs. Their offerings include drain cleaning, grease trap pumping, sewer line repair and replacement, water heater services, and water softener and filtration system installation. The company uses advanced techniques such as hydro-jetting and video camera sewer inspection to address plumbing issues efficiently. Serving the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro areas, Roto-Rooter is available 24/7 for emergency plumbing services, ensuring support whenever urgent problems arise.

4.9

2.9k Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

1629 Hennepin Ave #300G, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup is a licensed and insured plumbing company serving Minneapolis, MN. They provide 24/7 plumbing services including drain cleaning, grease trap pumping, sewer line repair, and water damage cleanup for both residential and commercial clients. Their capabilities include hydro-jetting and video camera inspections to diagnose and clear drain and sewer issues efficiently. Established with a long history in plumbing, Roto-Rooter is available around the clock to handle emergencies and routine maintenance throughout the Minneapolis metro area.

4.8

5.6k Reviews

Drain King Inc.

7740 Beech St NE, Fridley, MN 55432

Drain King Inc. is a drain cleaning company serving Brooklyn Park, MN, and the surrounding metro areas including Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Bloomington, and St. Paul. They provide commercial and residential sewer and drain cleaning services, including grease trap pumping, septic pumping, frozen line thawing, jetting, rooter services, and sewer line locating. The company uses advanced diagnostic equipment and offers 24-hour emergency drain and sewer cleaning services. With decades of experience, Drain King also provides preventive maintenance plans to help avoid costly repairs.

4.6

36 Reviews

Unclogdrains.com

10075 Xylite St NE, Blaine, MN 55449

Unclogdrains.com is a grease trap cleaning company based in Blaine, MN, serving the Twin Cities area and greater Minnesota. They provide a full range of drain and sewer cleaning services including water jetting, grease trap cleaning, and vacuum truck operations. Their vacuum trucks can remove solid, liquid, or dry matter, including fine powders, from hard-to-reach areas. The company has been operating since 1992, using advanced equipment and skilled technicians to handle commercial, residential, and industrial projects.

4.5

35 Reviews

McDonough’s - MN Drain Cleaning Services

1307 Sylvan St #4605, St Paul, MN 55117

McDonough's - MN Drain Cleaning Services is a Minnesota-based company serving Minneapolis and the greater Twin Cities area. Since 1992, they have provided commercial, residential, and industrial drain and sewer cleaning services. Their offerings include grease trap cleaning, water jetting for efficient pipe cleaning, and the use of advanced vacuum trucks capable of removing solid, liquid, and fine powdery substances from hard-to-reach locations. The company emphasizes safety and efficiency with state-of-the-art equipment and skilled technicians.

4.9

9 Reviews

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Understanding Bloomington's FOG Management Program

Bloomington's program is designed to prevent sewer overflows and maintain wastewater infrastructure. All Food Service Establishments (FSEs) are required to have properly sized and functioning grease control devices, such as grease traps or interceptors ^{1 2}. The city's ordinance empowers CBU to monitor compliance and enforce standards, making it essential for business owners to be proactive ². The core of the program involves regular maintenance, meticulous record-keeping, and using licensed professionals for all servicing.

Key Compliance Rules for Bloomington Restaurants

Navigating local codes is crucial. Here are the non-negotiable requirements for grease interceptor maintenance in Bloomington:

• The 25% Rule: You must clean or pump your grease trap when accumulations of FOG (floatable) or solids (settleable) reach 25% of the trap's wetted depth. This is the primary trigger for service, regardless of time elapsed ^{1 3}.
• 30-Day Minimum Frequency: Even if the 25% threshold isn't met, you are required to have your trap serviced at least once every 30 days ^{1 4}.
• Use Approved Haulers: All cleaning and pumping must be performed by a grease waste hauler licensed and approved by City of Bloomington Utilities ^{1 4}. Using an unapproved service can result in non-compliance.
• Maintain Detailed Records: You must keep accurate logs of all cleaning and maintenance activities on-site. Furthermore, you are required to submit pump-out manifests and receipts to CBU for their records ^{1 4 2}. These documents are subject to audit.

The Enforcement Process: What to Expect

CBU actively manages the FOG program through record review and monitoring. Enforcement is primarily conducted through the submission and audit of your cleaning logs and pump-out manifests ^{1 4 2}. Failure to comply with the cleaning schedules, hauler requirements, or record-keeping mandates can lead to significant penalties, including fines and other enforcement actions as outlined in the city's ordinance ². The schedule for service is ultimately your responsibility, dictated by the stricter of the two rules: the 25% accumulation or the 30-day calendar mandate ³.

Cost Considerations for Grease Trap Service

Investing in regular maintenance is far more cost-effective than dealing with emergencies or fines. Costs in Bloomington can vary based on the size of your trap, the volume of waste, and your chosen service provider.

• Regular Pumping: For a standard monthly or bi-monthly service, small grease traps may start around $100-$200 per service. For typical restaurant-sized interceptors, you can expect a range of $250 to $400 or more per pump-out ^{1 5 6}.
• High-Volume & Emergency Service: Larger establishments or those requiring frequent service will see higher costs. Emergency call-outs for a clogged or overflowing trap can be substantially more expensive, potentially ranging from $800 to $1,200 or more depending on the severity ^{5 7 8}.
• Annual Savings: Proactive, scheduled maintenance based on the 25% rule can save a restaurant thousands of dollars per year compared to the cost of emergency cleanups, city fines, and potential plumbing repairs ^{5 7}.

Benefits of Proactive Grease Management

Beyond mere compliance, a diligent grease trap maintenance program offers tangible benefits for your Bloomington business. It ensures your kitchen drains flow freely, preventing disruptive backups during service. It also minimizes unpleasant odors and reduces the risk of pest infestations. Most importantly, it protects your business from the high costs and operational downtime associated with emergency plumbing disasters and regulatory penalties ^{9 7}. Viewing grease trap cleaning as a critical part of your operational budget, rather than an optional expense, is key to sustainable restaurant management.

How to Stay Compliant: A Simple Checklist

1. Identify Your Device: Know the type, size, and location of your grease interceptor.
2. Find an Approved Hauler: Contract with a CBU-licensed grease waste hauler for all servicing ^{1 4}.
3. Monitor Accumulation: Check your trap regularly (at least weekly) to gauge FOG and solids buildup against the 25% wetted depth rule ³.
4. Schedule Service: Arrange pumping based on the 25% rule or every 30 days, whichever comes first.
5. Keep Impeccable Records: File every service manifest and receipt. Maintain an on-site logbook for CBU inspections ^{1 2}.
6. Train Your Staff: Ensure kitchen employees understand best practices for minimizing grease discharge, such as scraping plates and using sink baskets.

Official Resources and Next Steps

For the most authoritative information, including the official program requirements, a list of approved grease waste haulers, and all necessary forms, visit the City of Bloomington Utilities Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Management Program webpage ^{1 4}. Reviewing these documents directly is the best way to ensure your establishment meets all local standards.

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