Best Grease Trap Cleaning in Mississippi Ranked

For any food service establishment in Mississippi, from bustling Jackson restaurants to coastal seafood spots in Gulfport, effective grease trap cleaning is not just a maintenance task-it's a critical regulatory requirement. Proper management of Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) is enforced to protect municipal sewer systems from costly blockages and environmental damage. State and local authorities mandate specific cleaning frequencies, detailed record-keeping, and employee training programs. Non-compliance can lead to significant fines, sewer surcharges, and even operational shutdowns, making a proactive and informed approach essential for business continuity.

Danny Miller Plumbing Inc

18320 MS-53, Gulfport, MS 39503

Danny Miller Plumbing Inc is a family-owned plumbing company serving Gulfport, MS. They provide residential and commercial plumbing services, including grease trap cleaning, clogged drain repair, septic system maintenance, and gas piping. The company has over 20 years of experience and offers 24/7 plumbing service for emergencies. Their licensed and insured plumbers focus on honest pricing and quality repairs without unnecessary upselling.

4.8

464 Reviews

AAA Septic Systems, LLC.

4030 MS-471, Brandon, MS 39047

AAA Septic Systems, LLC. is a family-owned septic service company serving Jackson, MS, and the surrounding Central Mississippi area. With over 20 years of experience, they offer a range of services including septic tank pumping, system repairs, inspections, grease trap pumping, and aerobic wastewater treatment. The company is licensed by the Mississippi Department of Health and is authorized to repair and inspect more aerobic treatment systems than any other provider in the region. Their services aim to maintain the health and functionality of septic systems to prevent common issues such as leaks, blockages, and odors.

4.7

153 Reviews

Elite Sanitation Services

gulfport

Elite Sanitation Services is a locally owned company based in Gulfport, MS, providing septic pumping, grease trap cleaning, used cooking oil collection, and portable toilet services. They serve families and businesses across Mississippi and Louisiana, offering solutions for restaurants, events, and construction sites. With years of experience, Elite Sanitation is skilled in septic tank maintenance and grease trap pump-outs. The company also offers 24/7 availability for emergency needs.

5.0

18 Reviews

Hillard's Septic Tank & Grease Trap Service

1050 Greenfield Cir, Brandon, MS 39042

Hillard's Septic Tank & Grease Trap Service provides grease trap cleaning services in Jackson, MS. The company focuses on maintaining grease traps to support proper waste management for local businesses.

4.4

18 Reviews

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Understanding Mississippi's Grease Trap Regulations

Mississippi's approach to FOG control is designed to prevent sewer overflows and infrastructure damage. Regulations are typically enforced at the local level by municipal public works departments or county utility authorities, such as the Harrison County Utility Authority (HCUA) and the City of Jackson's FOG Program ^{1 2}. The core principle is that all grease interceptors must be properly maintained to prevent FOG from entering the sanitary sewer system.

A statewide framework guides these local ordinances, requiring food service establishments to install approved grease traps or interceptors. The design, size, and location of this equipment must receive local approval before operation begins ^{3 4}. The responsibility then falls on the business owner to ensure consistent, documented maintenance according to the stipulated rules.

The "Quarter-Full" Rule and Cleaning Frequency

The most important operational rule in Mississippi is the "quarter-full" or "25% rule." By law, grease traps and interceptors must be cleaned when the combined volume of accumulated FOG and solids reaches 25% of the unit's liquid capacity ^{2 5}. This is not a suggestion but a mandatory standard.

While the 25% rule dictates the maximum allowable accumulation, many local codes set a minimum cleaning frequency, often every 90 days (quarterly). However, for high-volume kitchens-such as fast-food restaurants, busy diners, or establishments with extensive frying operations-this may be insufficient. It's common for these businesses to require monthly, weekly, or even daily cleaning of under-sink grease traps to stay compliant ^{6 4}. The key is to never let accumulation exceed the one-quarter threshold.

Required Documentation and Employee Training

Compliance in Mississippi involves more than just pumping out grease; it requires thorough documentation. Establishments are required to maintain detailed maintenance logs for each grease control device ^{1 7}. These logs should include:

• Date of service
• Name of the servicing company or personnel
• Volume of waste removed
• Disposal method and location (manifest from a licensed hauler)
• Observations about the trap's condition

Local inspectors can request these records during routine inspections. Failure to produce them can result in violations. Many municipalities require copies of pumping receipts or waste manifests to be submitted directly to the utility authority ^{3 4}.

Furthermore, employee training on Best Management Practices (BMPs) is a mandated component of FOG control ^{4 7}. Staff should be trained to properly scrape plates, use drain screens, and understand what should never be poured down the drain (e.g., cooking oil, dairy products, food scraps). This front-line prevention is crucial for reducing the load on your grease trap and minimizing cleaning frequency.

Cost Factors for Grease Trap Cleaning in MS

The cost for professional grease trap pumping in Mississippi varies based on several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively and choose a service plan.

• Type and Size of Trap: A small, indoor under-sink grease trap typically costs between $115 and $475 per pump-out. Larger, in-ground outdoor grease interceptors, which hold significantly more waste, range from $325 to over $1,040 per service ^{8 9}.
• Service Frequency: Establishing a regular, preventive maintenance schedule (e.g., monthly or quarterly) is almost always more cost-effective than waiting for an emergency. Regular service can be contracted at a lower per-visit rate and helps avoid premium emergency fees and potential regulatory fines ⁸.
• Location and Accessibility: Services in metro areas like Jackson or the Gulf Coast may have different rate structures than in rural areas. Easily accessible traps also cost less to service than those with obstructed access.
• Additional Services: Costs will increase if the service includes high-pressure jetting of connecting lines, repairs to damaged lids or baffles, or thorough interior cleaning beyond simple waste evacuation.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Ignoring grease trap maintenance is a risky and expensive proposition for Mississippi restaurant owners. Local enforcement agencies have the authority to issue substantial fines for violations. Repeated non-compliance can lead to escalating penalties, including the installation of flow restrictors on your sewer line or, in severe cases, a revocation of your utility permit, effectively forcing your business to close until the issue is resolved ^{1 6}.

Beyond fines, excessive FOG discharge can lead to sewer surcharges from your local utility. If your effluent is found to contain high levels of FOG, you may be billed at a higher rate for wastewater treatment. The most severe consequence is a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) originating from or contributed to by your establishment, which carries severe environmental penalties and public relations damage.

Choosing a Service Provider

Selecting a reliable grease trap cleaning company is a critical business decision. Look for a licensed, insured provider with experience serving food establishments in your specific Mississippi municipality. They should be familiar with local codes in cities like Jackson, Gulfport, or Biloxi. A reputable provider will offer:

• Timely service with proof of proper waste disposal at a licensed facility.
• Detailed service reports that help you maintain your required logbook.
• The ability to schedule regular preventive maintenance.
• Emergency service availability for unexpected issues.

Proactive maintenance, meticulous records, and a partnership with a qualified service provider are the best defenses against regulatory trouble and costly operational disruptions ^{1 6}.

Frequently asked questions

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