Best Grease Trap Cleaning in New Mexico Ranked

For restaurant owners and food service operators in New Mexico, proper grease trap and interceptor maintenance is not just a best practice-it's a legal requirement. The state's arid climate and sensitive water systems make compliance with local sewer ordinances critical to prevent costly blockages, environmental harm, and significant fines. Whether you're in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or Gallup, understanding and adhering to specific local regulations for grease removal system installation, servicing, and record-keeping is essential for smooth operations. This guide outlines the key rules, typical costs, and practical steps for maintaining compliance and protecting your business.

AAA Pumping Service

2855 2nd St SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

AAA Pumping Service is a grease trap cleaning company located in Albuquerque, NM. They provide grease trap maintenance and cleaning services to local businesses. Customers have noted their responsiveness and specific technicians who regularly service the traps.

4.7

117 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbers

731 Rankin Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107

Roto-Rooter Plumbers provides comprehensive plumbing services in Albuquerque, NM, addressing both residential and commercial needs. Their offerings include floodwater cleanup, sewer and drain cleaning, faucet and toilet repairs, water heater installation and maintenance, grease trap cleaning, and sewer line repair or replacement. The company is experienced in handling complex commercial plumbing systems and uses specialized tools such as hydro jetting for drain cleaning. Roto-Rooter has a strong local presence, serving multiple communities in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties. They offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services year-round to promptly address urgent issues like burst pipes, sewer backups, and water heater failures.

4.6

741 Reviews

All About Drains LLC

roswell

All About Drains LLC is a licensed and insured company based in Roswell, NM, offering residential and commercial drain services. They provide grease trap cleaning, snaking, water-jetting, and camera inspection to address clogged and slow drains. The company uses advanced equipment to handle tough drain issues that other companies may not resolve. They are open every day of the week to serve their customers' needs.

4.7

14 Reviews

Atlas Pumping Services

200 Sin Nombre Ct NE, Albuquerque, NM 87113

Atlas Pumping Services is a grease trap cleaning company based in Albuquerque, NM. They specialize in maintaining grease traps to ensure proper function and compliance with local regulations. The company serves businesses in the Albuquerque area, focusing on grease trap cleaning and maintenance.

4.2

49 Reviews

Foster Plumbing & Heating Co

601 S Behrend Ave, Farmington, NM 87401

Foster Plumbing & Heating Co is a family-owned business based in Farmington, NM, providing residential and commercial plumbing and heating services. They serve New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona, offering a wide range of services including grease trap cleaning, gas and water line replacements, drain cleaning, and commercial fixture installation. The company is an authorized dealer for Bryant and Navien equipment and stays updated with the latest certifications. Foster Plumbing & Heating Co provides 24/7 emergency service and handles large-scale construction projects as well.

3.5

32 Reviews

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Understanding New Mexico's Grease Interceptor Regulations

In New Mexico, regulations for grease interceptors (often called grease traps) are primarily enforced at the municipal level through local Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) authorities. These rules are designed to prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the public sewer system, where they can solidify and cause major blockages and sanitary sewer overflows.

The cornerstone of compliance is the mandatory installation of an approved and properly sized grease interceptor for all food service establishments (FSEs). Before opening or renovating, your plans must be approved by the local water authority. For instance, in Albuquerque, this process is managed through the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA) as part of your sewer connection permit ^{1 2 3}.

Mandatory Cleaning Frequency and Standards

Cleaning frequency is strictly defined by local codes. A universal rule across jurisdictions is that a grease interceptor must be cleaned when the combined FOG and solids accumulate to 25% of the total liquid depth of the trap ^{1 3 4}. However, most localities also enforce a maximum time interval between cleanings, whichever condition comes first.

• Albuquerque & Bernalillo County: Grease interceptors must be serviced at least every 90 days (quarterly) for most establishments ^{5 3}.
• Other Jurisdictions (e.g., Gallup): The required maximum interval may extend to every 6 months ¹.
• High-Volume Establishments: Restaurants with high grease output may be required to clean their traps even more frequently, such as monthly.

It is the responsibility of the facility owner to ensure cleaning occurs on schedule, regardless of the service provider's reminders.

Record-Keeping and Documentation Requirements

Maintaining detailed records is a non-negotiable part of compliance. You must keep the following documents on-site for a minimum of three years and make them available for inspection by the local authority upon request ^{1 5 6}:

1. Service Logs/Manifests: A receipt or manifest from your licensed grease hauler for every cleaning service. This should include the date, company name, volume of waste removed, and disposal location.
2. Disposal Records: Documentation proving the grease trap waste was disposed of at an approved facility, in accordance with New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and federal regulations ⁶.

Failure to produce these records during an inspection can result in violations and penalties just as severe as failing to clean the trap itself.

Cost of Grease Trap Cleaning in New Mexico

The cost of service in New Mexico varies based on your location, the size and type of your interceptor, and the service frequency. Proactive, scheduled maintenance is always far more economical than emergency response.

• Scheduled / Regular Cleaning: For a standard grease trap as part of a quarterly maintenance contract, prices typically range from $125 to $400 per service ^{7 8 9}. Contracts often provide better pricing and ensure you never miss a compliance deadline.
• One-Time or Emergency Pumping: If a trap overflows or causes a backup, emergency service costs are significantly higher, ranging from $190 to over $1,000 depending on the severity and required cleanup ^{7 8 10}.
• Additional Costs: Fines for non-compliance from your local water authority can be substantial. Furthermore, the cost of repairing sewer lines, cleaning up indoor spills, and lost business during a closure far outweighs the investment in regular maintenance.

Choosing a Service Provider and Proper Disposal

Not all waste haulers are qualified to service grease traps. It is crucial to hire a licensed liquid waste transporter permitted by the NMED. A reputable provider will:

• Hold a valid NMED waste transporter permit.
• Provide detailed service manifests that meet local record-keeping requirements.
• Dispose of the collected FOG at an approved facility, such as a rendering plant, wastewater treatment plant, or anaerobic digester.

Never allow grease trap waste to be dumped illegally. Proper disposal is a key part of the regulatory chain, and your business is responsible for ensuring your vendor handles it correctly ⁶.

Key Takeaways for New Mexico Restaurant Owners

1. Local Rules Are Paramount: Always confirm specific requirements with your city's water or sewer department (e.g., ABCWUA for Albuquerque, City of Gallup Utilities).
2. Clean Proactively: Adhere to the "25% rule" or the mandated time interval (90 days/6 months). Scheduled cleanings prevent 90% of major problems.
3. Document Everything: Keep every service manifest and disposal record for at least three years. An organized file is your best defense during an inspection.
4. Invest in Prevention: The modest cost of regular pumping is insignificant compared to emergency service calls, regulatory fines, and operational disruptions.

Staying ahead of grease interceptor maintenance is a critical aspect of responsible restaurant management in New Mexico. By understanding the regulations, partnering with a licensed service provider, and keeping impeccable records, you protect your business, your community's infrastructure, and the state's valuable water resources.

Frequently asked questions

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