Top Grease Trap Cleaning in Arlington, Texas Ranked

For any restaurant or food service business in Arlington, maintaining a clean and compliant grease trap or interceptor is not just a best practice-it's a legal requirement essential for protecting the city's sewer system. Proper grease trap maintenance prevents costly blockages, environmental hazards, and significant fines from local health and sanitation authorities. This guide covers the critical regulations, best practices, and service considerations for effective grease management in Arlington's bustling food service industry.

DFW Septic and Grease Services

4881 Montgomery Rd, Midlothian, TX 76065

DFW Septic and Grease Services provides septic system cleaning and grease trap maintenance for residential and commercial properties in Fort Worth, TX, and surrounding counties including Ellis, Tarrant, Dallas, Rockwall, Kaufman, Henderson, Navarro, Johnson, and Hill. They serve a variety of clients such as restaurants, cafeterias, retirement homes, schools, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Their services include onsite inspections, waste collection, and customer guidance to ensure proper system care. The company emphasizes regular septic tank pumping every three years or as needed based on usage and environmental factors.

5.0

295 Reviews

Harrington Environmental Services, LLC.

1632 Royalwood Cir, Joshua, TX 76058

Harrington Environmental Services, LLC. is a full-service liquid waste company based in Fort Worth, TX. They provide environmental services including aerobic septic service, grease trap cleaning, sand and grit trap service, septic tank maintenance, and lift station pumping. The company serves Fort Worth, Burleson, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and surrounding counties. Harrington Environmental Services is licensed and certified for the installation and maintenance of aerobic systems and handles all types of nonhazardous liquid waste. Their team is known for prompt attention to aerobic system repairs and regular grease trap servicing.

5.0

256 Reviews

Fort Worth Grease Trap & Septic Cleaning

4015 W Vickery Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Fort Worth Grease Trap & Septic Cleaning provides grease trap and septic tank cleaning services in Fort Worth, TX. The company specializes in grease trap pumping and septic system maintenance. Recently acquired by Harrington Environmental, it continues to serve local businesses with grease trap cleaning and septic tank services.

5.0

196 Reviews

Harrington Environmental - Septic Pumping & Grease Trap Service

404 Flagstone Dr, Burleson, TX 76028

Harrington Environmental - Septic Pumping & Grease Trap Service is a full-service liquid waste company based in Fort Worth, TX. They provide a range of environmental services including aerobic septic service, grease and sand trap cleaning, grit trap service, septic tank service, and lift station pumping. The company is fully licensed and certified for the installation and maintenance of aerobic systems and serves the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding counties.

5.0

153 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

124 S Main St Ste 207, Burleson, TX 76028

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides comprehensive plumbing and water cleanup services in Fort Worth, TX, and the surrounding areas including Burleson. They offer a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing solutions such as sewer and drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, grease trap maintenance, and emergency floodwater cleanup. Their commercial services include specialized capabilities like high-pressure water jetting (hydro-jetting) and grease trap repairs. The company serves multiple nearby communities and counties, ensuring local expertise in plumbing codes and environmental conditions. Roto-Rooter is available 24/7 for emergency plumbing services, addressing urgent issues like burst pipes and sewer backups.

4.9

208 Reviews

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Understanding Arlington's Grease Trap Regulations

Arlington restaurants must adhere to strict local and state codes designed to control Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG). The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and local ordinances mandate that food establishments install and maintain grease interceptors. A primary rule is the "25% rule," which requires pumping the trap before the combined FOG and solids accumulate to 25% of the unit's liquid depth ^{1 2}. Neglecting this can lead to grease escaping into the public sewer, resulting in blockages, sanitary sewer overflows, and enforcement action.

Enforcement is active, with health inspectors requiring proof of regular service. Establishments must keep detailed service manifests on-site for review during inspections ^{1 3}. Failure to comply can result in substantial fines, mandatory immediate service, or even temporary closure until the issue is resolved. Proactive maintenance is far less costly than the penalties and operational disruptions caused by non-compliance.

Proper Grease Interceptor Design and Installation

Where and how your grease interceptor is installed is governed by specific codes to ensure it functions correctly. Key design and location requirements include:

• External Placement: Grease traps must be installed outside, away from food preparation areas, and must be easily accessible for service vehicles and inspectors ^{1 4}.
• Proper Baffling: Interceptors must be equipped with internal baffles that slow wastewater flow, allowing FOG to cool, solidify, and rise to the top for containment ^{5 2}.
• Adequate Access: A minimum 20-inch diameter manhole is typically required to allow for thorough cleaning and inspection ⁶.
• Waste Routing: All fixtures that discharge grease-laden wastewater-including pre-rinse sinks, dishwashers, wok stations, and mop sinks-must be plumbed through the grease interceptor ^{1 2}.
• Temperature Control: To prevent grease from emulsifying and passing through the trap, water entering the interceptor should be below 120°F ⁶.

Proper installation by a licensed professional is crucial. An incorrectly sized or placed interceptor will not meet code and will fail to protect your business from FOG-related issues.

Determining Service Frequency and Maintenance Schedules

How often you need grease trap pumping in Arlington depends on your specific operation. While many jurisdictions enforce a standard quarterly (every 3 months) schedule, the actual frequency is dictated by your grease production volume and the 25% rule ^{1 2}. High-volume establishments like large restaurants, hotels, or banquet halls may require monthly service, while a small cafe might manage with bi-annual cleaning.

A reliable service provider can help you establish an optimal schedule based on an initial assessment and regular inspections. They will measure FOG and solids accumulation to recommend a pumping interval that keeps you in compliance and prevents emergencies. Sticking to this scheduled maintenance is the most effective way to avoid unexpected backups, odors, and regulatory violations.

Cost Factors for Grease Trap Services

The cost for grease interceptor cleaning in Arlington varies significantly based on the size of your trap, the volume of waste, and your service agreement. Prices are generally structured as a per-pump fee or as part of a recurring monthly or annual maintenance contract.

• Small Cafes & Diners: For establishments with smaller traps (e.g., 500-750 gallons), expect per-service costs ranging from $175 to $300. If on a monthly contract, this might average $200-$300 per month ^{7 8}.
• Full-Service Restaurants: A typical sit-down restaurant with moderate volume might pay between $225 and $475+ per pump. Monthly contract rates often fall in the $400 to $600 range ^{7 9}.
• High-Volume Facilities: Large restaurants, hotel kitchens, or institutional cafeterias with large or multiple interceptors can see costs from $600 to $800+ per month or higher per-service fees, depending on the complexity and waste volume ⁷.

Investing in regular service with a licensed hauler is more cost-effective than paying for emergency cleanouts, city fines, or damage to your plumbing and the public sewer system ¹⁰.

Best Practices for In-House Grease Management

Professional pumping is essential, but daily practices inside your kitchen dramatically impact your grease trap's efficiency and longevity.

• Dry Wiping: The single most effective practice is to scrape all food scraps, grease, and oil from dishes, pots, and pans into the trash before they ever touch the sink ^{11 12}.
• Staff Training: Educate every team member on what should and should not go down the drain. This includes never pouring liquid grease from fryers or griddles into sinks.
• Use Strainers: Install and regularly clean sink strainers to catch solid food particles.
• Evaluate Additives: Be cautious with grease-digesting enzymes or chemicals. Some can emulsify grease, allowing it to pass through the trap only to solidify later in your pipes or the city lines. Always consult your service provider before using any treatment ¹¹.
• Regular Visual Checks: Designate a manager to periodically check the grease interceptor's access point to monitor accumulation levels between professional services.

Choosing a Licensed Service Provider in Arlington

Selecting the right partner for grease trap cleaning is critical. Always verify that the service provider is licensed and certified by the TCEQ to transport and dispose of grease waste ¹. A reputable company will provide detailed service manifests after each pump-out, which you must keep on file. They should also offer transparent pricing, reliable scheduling, and be willing to conduct a site assessment to recommend the ideal maintenance plan for your business. Establishing a relationship with a trusted professional ensures your establishment remains compliant, clean, and environmentally responsible.

Frequently asked questions

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