Top Grease Trap Cleaning in Memphis, Tennessee Ranked

For any food service establishment in Memphis, from bustling Downtown diners to neighborhood cafes, managing Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) is a critical operational and legal responsibility. The City of Memphis Storm Water program enforces strict regulations to prevent sewer blockages and environmental damage, mandating the use of approved grease interceptors and their maintenance by licensed professionals. Proactive, scheduled grease trap cleaning is not just a best practice-it's a requirement for compliance, helping you avoid costly fines and emergency disruptions while protecting the city's infrastructure.

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

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Understanding Memphis FOG Regulations

The City of Memphis manages a comprehensive Fats, Oil and Grease (FOG) program designed to protect the public sewer system. As a permittee, your restaurant is required to adhere to specific codes that govern the installation, maintenance, and record-keeping for your grease control devices ^{1 2}. City inspectors have the authority to access your premises for inspections and sampling to ensure compliance, and failure to meet these standards can result in significant penalties ^{3 4}.

Key regulatory bodies include Memphis Storm Water and the guidelines referenced in the Memphis City Codes. These rules are in place because FOG discharged from kitchens solidifies inside sewer pipes, leading to severe blockages, sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), and expensive public works repairs. Your cooperation through proper grease interceptor maintenance is a vital part of the solution ^{1 5}.

Grease Interceptor Design & Installation Standards

Not just any tank will do. In Memphis, grease interceptors for food service establishments must meet precise design specifications to be approved. Key requirements include:

• Capacity: The interceptor must have a minimum liquid capacity of 15 gallons per seat, with an absolute minimum of 750 gallons and a typical maximum of 3000 gallons for most applications ^{1 2}.
• Construction: They must be watertight, typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or other durable materials, and include two compartments with baffles to effectively separate FOG from wastewater ^{2 6}.
• Inlet/Outlet Design: Properly configured inlet and outlet tees are mandatory to ensure optimal separation and prevent FOG from escaping into the sewer line ¹.

These design standards ensure the device functions correctly, giving grease and solids adequate time to separate from the water before it exits into the city's system. Installing an approved interceptor is the essential first step in a compliant FOG management plan.

Required Maintenance & Pumping Procedures

Simply having a grease trap isn't enough; it must be maintained correctly. Memphis regulations specify how, when, and by whom this essential service must be performed.

• Frequency: The standard requirement is a minimum of quarterly service (every 4 months). However, the definitive rule is the "one-quarter rule"-your interceptor must be cleaned before the combined FOG and solids accumulate to 25% of the unit's capacity ^{3 4 6}.
• Service Provider: All waste must be removed and disposed of by a licensed FOG hauler. It is illegal for restaurant staff to perform this task or for unlicensed providers to handle the waste ^{1 2}.
• Procedure: Proper maintenance requires a complete pump-out. This means removing 100% of the contents-water, FOG, and settled solids. Skimming just the top layer of grease or decanting liquid back into the interceptor is prohibited and ineffective ^{6 5}.

Costs of Grease Trap Service in Memphis

Understanding the cost structure for grease interceptor maintenance helps in budgeting and highlights the value of preventive care. Prices can vary based on the size of your trap, its location, and the service provider.

• Scheduled/Preventive Maintenance: For a routine, scheduled pump-out service, restaurants can typically expect costs in the range of $250 to $400 per service visit ⁷. This is the most cost-effective approach.
• Emergency Service: If an interceptor overflows or causes a backup, emergency service calls are significantly more expensive, often ranging from $800 to $1,200 or more per visit ⁷. This does not include potential fines from the city or costs for plumbing repairs.
• Long-Term Value: Investing in regular, scheduled cleanings extends the life of your interceptor, prevents foul odors and pests, and is far cheaper than reacting to an emergency or violation.

Best Practices for Kitchen Staff

Proper maintenance starts in the kitchen. By training your staff on simple best practices, you can significantly reduce the FOG load entering your interceptor, leading to fewer required pump-outs, lower costs, and better system performance ⁸.

• Scrape and Dry Wipe: Scrape all food scraps and grease from plates, pots, and pans into the trash before rinsing.
• Use Sink Strainers: Install and consistently use strainer baskets in all prep and dish sinks to catch solid food waste.
• Proper Oil Disposal: Never pour used cooking oil, grease, or melted shortening down any drain. Collect it in sealed containers for pickup by your licensed hauler.
• Minimize Garbage Disposal Use: Avoid using garbage disposals for food waste, as this sends fine particles and grease directly into your plumbing system.

Record-Keeping and Compliance Documentation

Memphis regulations require you to maintain detailed records of all grease interceptor maintenance on-site for review by city inspectors ^{1 2}. Your licensed hauler should provide you with a service report after each pump-out. This documentation is your proof of compliance and should include:

• Date of service
• Name and license number of the hauler
• Volume of waste removed
• Disposal location (approved rendering plant or wastewater treatment facility)
• Signature of the service technician

Keeping these records organized and readily available is a simple but critical step in passing inspections and demonstrating your commitment to the city's FOG program ⁹.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Ignoring grease trap maintenance is a risky proposition for Memphis restaurant owners. The Memphis Storm Water program actively monitors compliance, and the consequences extend beyond a simple warning ⁴.

• Fines and Penalties: The city can levy substantial fines for violations, including failure to clean, improper disposal, or refusing inspector access ^{3 2}.
• Operational Disruption: A severely clogged interceptor can cause backups in your own kitchen, leading to costly plumbing repairs, health hazards, and potential business closure during cleanup.
• Legal Liability: If your establishment contributes to a sewer line blockage or SSO, you could be held financially responsible for the city's cleanup and repair costs ^{1 9}.

Proactive, scheduled cleaning with a licensed provider is the most reliable strategy to avoid these negative outcomes and run a smooth, compliant operation.

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