Top Grease Trap Cleaning in Collierville, Tennessee Ranked

For any restaurant, café, or food service establishment in Collierville, maintaining a clean and compliant grease trap or interceptor is a non-negotiable part of daily operations. These systems are your first line of defense against costly sewer blockages, environmental fines, and disruptions to your business. Local regulations, enforced by the City of Collierville in alignment with Tennessee state guidelines, mandate strict maintenance schedules and record-keeping for all grease control devices. This guide provides Collierville food service operators with essential information on local requirements, best practices for maintenance, and what to expect from professional grease interceptor cleaning services.

Proper fat, oil, and grease (FOG) management protects the Town of Collierville's sewer infrastructure from backups and overflows, which can lead to significant environmental issues and public health concerns. Compliance isn't just about avoiding penalties; it's about being a responsible business in the community. Understanding the frequency of required pump-outs, the importance of detailed maintenance logs, and the typical costs involved will help you budget effectively and choose a reliable service provider to keep your kitchen running smoothly and within the law.

ABC Plumbing & Septic Service

741 Lee Creek Rd, Byhalia, MS 38611

ABC Plumbing & Septic Service has been providing pumping and drain services since 1950. Based near Memphis, TN, they serve residential, commercial, and industrial customers with a wide range of services including grease trap cleaning, hydrojetting, video inspection, and septic tank maintenance. The company offers 24/7 emergency service and is known for its expertise in septic system installation and treatment plant servicing. With over 70 years in the industry, ABC Plumbing & Septic Service operates with a focus on integrity and craftsmanship.

4.8

50 Reviews

Mid-South Septic and Plumbing

11284 Gulf Stream Rd, Arlington, TN 38002

Mid-South Septic and Plumbing is a local provider of septic, grease trap, and drain services based in Memphis, TN. Serving residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial clients, they offer comprehensive septic system care including pumping, inspections, preventative maintenance, and repairs. The company is part of Wind River Environmental's Family of Brands, combining national resources with local expertise to serve the Mid-South area. Established in the early 1999s, Mid-South Septic and Plumbing operates 24/7 to support timely wastewater management and system maintenance.

4.6

276 Reviews

Ace Grease Service

Transfer Station, 7240 Craft-Goodman Rd, Olive Branch, MS 38654

Ace Grease Service is a family-owned company based in Memphis, TN, specializing in used cooking oil collection and grease trap cleaning. With over 31 years of experience, they serve a variety of clients including restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and food manufacturing plants. The company collects and recycles used cooking oil into products like plastics, soaps, livestock feed, and biodiesel fuel. Ace Grease Service operates a fleet of advanced trucks and equipment, providing service across nine states in the Midwest.

4.7

26 Reviews

Midsouth Septic Service

75 Culver Way, Somerville, TN 38068

Midsouth Septic Service provides septic, grease trap, and drain services in Memphis, TN, and the surrounding Mid-South area. Serving residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial clients, they offer comprehensive septic system maintenance including pumping, inspections, preventative care, and repairs. As part of Wind River Environmental's family of brands, they combine national resources with local expertise to support a wide range of septic and wastewater needs. The company has been serving the region since the early 1999 and offers 24/7 availability for urgent service requests.

5.0

6 Reviews

See more providers in Collierville, TN

Understanding Local Grease Trap Regulations

Collierville's grease trap ordinances are designed to prevent FOG from entering the municipal wastewater system. While specific town codes may reference broader standards, enforcement typically falls under the purview of the Collierville Public Works or Environmental Services department, often following models similar to the Memphis FOG Program ^{1 2}.

Key Regulatory Requirements:

• Pumping Frequency: For large outdoor grease interceptors, a common minimum requirement is pumping every 90 days. However, many establishments require more frequent service-monthly or quarterly-based on volume and the accumulation of grease and solids ^{3 4}. Smaller under-sink grease traps may need manual cleaning as often as weekly.
• 25% Rule: A widely adopted best practice and often a codified requirement is to clean the trap whenever the combined grease and solids accumulate to 25% of the unit's liquid depth ^{4 5}. Waiting longer significantly increases the risk of grease carryover into the sewer lines.
• Mandatory Record-Keeping: Maintaining a detailed maintenance log is critical. This log should include the date of service, the company or personnel who performed it, the volume of waste removed, and the disposal method. These records must be available for inspection at any time ^{1 4}.

What Inspectors Look For

Local authorities conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance. Being prepared can make the process straightforward and avoid compliance actions.

Who Inspects: Inspections are typically carried out by officials from Collierville's Public Works or Environmental Services department ^{1 2}. Inspection Focus: Inspectors will verify your establishment's permit status, review your maintenance logs for completeness and adherence to schedule, and physically inspect the grease trap or interceptor for proper function, signs of overflow, or bypassing ¹. Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to meet standards can result in a Notice of Violation (NOV), substantial fines, and in cases of repeat or severe violations, the potential revocation of wastewater discharge permits, which can halt your business operations ².

Types of Grease Control Devices and Their Maintenance

Not all grease containment systems are the same. The type and size of your unit directly impact your maintenance schedule and costs.

• Under-Sink Grease Traps (Small): These are compact units, usually under 50 gallons, located near dishwashing stations or prep sinks. They require frequent attention, often involving manual scraping and cleaning of baskets and interior surfaces weekly to prevent clogs and odors.
• Grease Interceptors (Large): These are high-capacity tanks, often installed outdoors or in basements, that service the entire kitchen's plumbing. They are designed to separate and hold FOG from wastewater before it exits to the sewer. Their maintenance involves professional pump-out services to remove the accumulated grease, sludge, and effluent.

Cost of Professional Grease Trap Cleaning in Collierville

The price for professional grease interceptor pumping and cleaning varies based on several factors. Obtaining quotes from local, licensed providers is the best way to get an accurate price for your specific situation.

Typical Cost Ranges:

• Indoor/Small Grease Traps: A standard cleaning for an under-sink or in-floor trap can range from $75 to $200+ per service ^{6 7}.
• Outdoor/Large Grease Interceptors: Pumping a large interceptor is a more involved process, with costs typically ranging from $200 to $400+ per service ^{8 9}. Prices can be higher for very large tanks, severe neglect, or emergency calls.

Factors Influencing Cost:

• Size and Capacity: Larger tanks hold more waste and require more labor and disposal fees.
• Accessibility: Easily accessible interceptors are less expensive to service than those in confined or obstructed spaces.
• Level of Accumulation: Traps that are overly full or have hardened grease may require extra time or specialized equipment.
• Service Contract: Many providers offer discounted rates for customers who commit to a regular, scheduled maintenance plan, which can provide significant savings and ensure compliance ^{6 10}.
• Emergency Service: A reactive call for a clogged or overflowing trap will always cost more than a scheduled, preventive maintenance visit.

Building a Proactive Maintenance Plan

A reactive approach to grease trap maintenance is risky and expensive. A proactive plan ensures compliance, minimizes disruptions, and can extend the life of your equipment.

1. Know Your System: Document the type, size, and location of all your grease control devices.
2. Establish a Schedule: Based on your volume of business and local rules (e.g., the 25% rule), set a pumping schedule with a trusted provider. Monthly or quarterly is common for interceptors ¹¹.
3. Train Your Staff: Educate kitchen staff on proper FOG disposal practices. Grease traps are not trash cans; scraping plates and pouring grease into dedicated collection containers is essential.
4. Maintain Impeccable Records: Use a dedicated logbook or digital system to record every service, whether performed in-house or by a professional. This is your proof of compliance.
5. Partner with a Professional: Establish a relationship with a licensed, insured, and reputable local service provider who understands Collierville's specific requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Sources