Top Grease Trap Cleaning in Cedar Hill, Texas Ranked

For restaurant owners and food service operators in Cedar Hill, maintaining a properly functioning grease trap or interceptor is a critical, non-negotiable part of daily operations. These systems are your first line of defense against fats, oils, and grease (FOG) entering the municipal sewer system, where they can cause costly blockages, environmental damage, and significant fines for your business. The City of Cedar Hill enforces strict regulations based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and local amendments to ensure compliance and protect public infrastructure. Effective grease management isn't just about avoiding penalties; it's about responsible business ownership, preventing disruptive backups in your own kitchen, and contributing to the community's overall wastewater health. This guide outlines what you need to know about regulations, maintenance schedules, and selecting service in the Cedar Hill area.

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

See more providers in Cedar Hill, TX

Understanding Cedar Hill's Grease Interceptor Regulations

Cedar Hill's approach to grease control is codified to prevent sewer system impairments. The city adheres to the International Plumbing Code (IPC), which sets the national standard, supplemented by any local ordinances ^{1 2}. These rules govern everything from the initial installation of a grease interceptor to its ongoing maintenance.

The primary goal is to keep FOG out of the public sewers. When grease cools and solidifies in pipes, it combines with other debris to form severe blockages. These blockages can lead to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), which are environmental hazards, public health risks, and incredibly expensive for the city to remediate. To mitigate this risk, the city mandates that all food service establishments install and maintain an approved grease removal device. Compliance is not optional; it's a condition of your ability to operate.

Types of Grease Interceptors and Installation Standards

Not all grease containment systems are the same, and the correct type for your establishment depends on your volume of wastewater and FOG production. The two main categories are hydromechanical grease interceptors (HGIs) and gravity grease interceptors (GGIs).

• Hydromechanical Grease Interceptors (HGIs): These are typically smaller, indoor units located near the source of grease, such as under a sink or in a kitchen prep area. They use a combination of flow control, baffles, and separation to trap grease. The IPC and local codes specify strict requirements for their flow rate, capacity, and installation location ^{3 1}.
• Gravity Grease Interceptors (GGIs): Often called "grease traps" in common parlance, these are larger, underground vaults usually located outside the building. They allow wastewater to cool, enabling FOG to solidify and float to the top for removal. Their installation is heavily regulated regarding size, location, and connection to the sewer line.

Regardless of type, installation must be performed to exact code specifications. This includes proper venting, accessible lids for service, and correct sizing based on your facility's fixture units and potential grease waste. Working with a licensed plumber who understands Cedar Hill's specific amendments to the IPC is crucial for a compliant installation ^{4 2}.

Mandatory Maintenance and Cleaning Schedules

A grease interceptor is only effective if it is regularly maintained. Cedar Hill's enforcement is built on the principle of proactive maintenance rather than reactive cleanup. The universal rule is that a trap or interceptor must be cleaned when the accumulated FOG and solids reach 25% of the unit's capacity ^{4 3}. For most busy restaurants, this threshold is reached quickly.

As a result, standard cleaning frequencies are typically every 1 to 3 months, though high-volume establishments may require monthly service ⁴. It is the business owner's responsibility to monitor the interceptor and schedule service before it overflows or becomes inefficient. A common violation is the use of garbage disposals draining into a grease interceptor; this introduces excessive solids that fill the unit rapidly and are prohibited by most codes ^{4 5}.

Documentation and Inspection Compliance

Your service records are your proof of compliance. Cedar Hill inspectors from the Water Utilities or Code Enforcement departments have the authority to review your maintenance logs at any time ⁴. A detailed service log should include:

• Date of service
• Name and license number of the servicing company
• Volume of grease and solids removed (in gallons or pounds)
• Disposal method and destination (e.g., licensed renderer or wastewater treatment plant)
• Signature of the service technician

Failure to maintain these logs can result in a violation notice as severe as if the interceptor had never been cleaned. Inspections can be scheduled (annual or biennial) or triggered by complaints or sewer line issues upstream from your location ⁴. During an inspection, officials will check the physical condition of the interceptor, review your logs, and ensure there are no illegal connections or bypasses.

Cost Factors for Grease Trap Cleaning Services

The cost for professional grease interceptor pumping and cleaning in Cedar Hill varies significantly based on several key factors. While the following are general price ranges, always get a site-specific quote from a licensed provider ⁴.

• Interceptor Size and Type: This is the primary cost driver.
  • Small (Under 50 gallons): Often indoor HGIs. Cleaning can range from $150 to $300+ per service ⁴.
  • Medium (50-100 gallons): Common for many small to mid-sized restaurants. Expect to pay $250 to $400+ ⁴.
  • Large (Over 100 gallons / HGIs): Larger in-ground interceptors or complex HGIs require more labor and equipment. Costs typically start at $400 and can exceed $1,000 for very large or difficult-to-access units ⁴.
• Service Frequency: Contracting for regular service (e.g., quarterly) can sometimes reduce the per-visit cost compared to emergency or one-time calls.
• Accessibility and Location: An interceptor located inside a cramped kitchen or one with a buried lid that requires excavation will cost more to service.
• Volume of Grease and Solids: A heavily impacted interceptor takes more time and labor to clean thoroughly.
• Additional Services: Some companies include de-greasing kitchen lines or minor repairs in their service, which may affect the price.

Steps to Ensure Your Cedar Hill Restaurant is Compliant

1. Confirm Local Ordinances: Contact the Cedar Hill Water Utilities Department or Code Enforcement directly. Verify the specific inspection schedule for your business, obtain a copy of the local grease control ordinance, and clarify any unique requirements ⁴.
2. Secure Professional Service: Research and contract with a reputable, licensed grease trap cleaning service that operates in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and is familiar with Cedar Hill's codes. Companies like Jet Black or other local providers should be able to provide references and proof of proper waste disposal licensing.
3. Establish a Proactive Schedule: Don't wait for an inspection notice or a clogged drain. Based on your service provider's recommendation and your observed accumulation, set a regular cleaning schedule (e.g., monthly, bimonthly) and stick to it.
4. Maintain Impeccable Records: Keep a dedicated binder or digital folder for all grease interceptor service reports. Ensure every ticket is filled out completely and filed immediately after service.
5. Train Your Staff: Educate kitchen staff on best practices for minimizing grease waste, such as scraping plates into trash bins before washing and avoiding pouring any fats or oils down the drain.

Frequently asked questions

Sources