Top Grease Trap Cleaning in Edmonds, Washington Ranked

For any food service establishment in Edmonds, from bustling restaurants to cozy cafes, managing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) is a critical operational and legal responsibility. The City of Edmonds enforces specific ordinances to protect the municipal sewer system from blockages and overflows, which can lead to costly environmental damage and infrastructure repairs. At the heart of this compliance is the proper installation, maintenance, and cleaning of grease interceptors and traps. Regular, professional grease trap cleaning is not just a best practice; it's a mandated requirement to avoid significant fines and ensure your business runs smoothly without the risk of disruptive emergency backups or enforcement actions.

Understanding and adhering to Edmonds' FOG program is essential for long-term business viability. The regulations are designed to be proactive, focusing on prevention through consistent maintenance rather than reaction to problems. This guide outlines the key requirements, typical procedures, and practical steps for Edmonds food service operators to maintain compliance, protect their investment, and contribute to the community's environmental health.

Septic Response

672 7th Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033

Septic Response is a septic service provider based in Seattle, WA, offering a range of services including septic tank pumping, grease trap cleaning, drainfield repair, and system maintenance. They serve King County, Snohomish County, and Pierce County with expertise in both traditional and advanced septic systems. Their services include septic tank inspections, pump replacements, inlet pipe cleaning, and grease trap and sewer lift station maintenance. Septic Response emphasizes preventative maintenance and uses advanced monitoring technologies to ensure system efficiency and environmental compliance. The company is known for providing detailed documentation and educational resources to help homeowners maintain their septic systems effectively.

4.9

206 Reviews

Sweetwater Septic & Grease Trap Pumping

seattle

Sweetwater Septic & Grease Trap Pumping provides grease trap cleaning services in Seattle, WA. They specialize in maintaining grease traps to ensure proper function and compliance with local regulations.

5.0

37 Reviews

Beacon Plumbing, Heating, Electrical & Mechanical Inc - Seattle

515 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

Beacon Plumbing, Heating, Electrical & Mechanical Inc is a multi-service contractor based in Seattle, WA, providing plumbing, heating, electrical, and mechanical services. Established in 1999, the company serves both residential and commercial clients throughout Seattle and the Puget Sound area. Their services include water, sewer, and pipe repairs, drain clearing, grease trap interceptor cleaning, trenchless technology, and hydro jetting. Beacon Plumbing operates 24/7 to offer immediate assistance when needed and employs licensed technicians who live locally.

4.5

2.8k Reviews

Everett Grease Trap Services

1912 32nd St, Everett, WA 98201

Everett Grease Trap Services is a local company based in Everett, WA, specializing in grease trap pumping, cleaning, installation, and interceptor services for commercial kitchens, restaurants, schools, and industrial facilities. With over 15 years of experience, they serve Everett and nearby areas including Riverside, Bayside, and Everett Junction. The company is equipped with specialized pump trucks and uses advanced equipment to ensure thorough grease trap maintenance and compliance with local health and safety regulations. They also offer 24/7 emergency pumping and cleaning services to minimize disruptions to business operations.

5.0

13 Reviews

The Grease Group

2822 Old Hartford Rd, Lake Stevens, WA 98258

The Grease Group is a family-owned grease trap cleaning company serving Everett, WA, and surrounding areas including Bellevue, Bothell, and Greater Seattle. Established in 1966, the company offers cleaning and maintenance services for grease interceptors, holding tanks, and grease traps of all sizes. They focus on environmentally responsible disposal and use an automated reminder system to help clients maintain compliance with health codes and prevent backups. The Grease Group is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, with extensive experience servicing food-related businesses.

5.0

9 Reviews

See more providers in Edmonds, WA

Edmonds Grease Interceptor Code Requirements

The City of Edmonds mandates that all food preparation and service establishments install and maintain approved grease removal facilities ¹. This includes restaurants, delis, bakeries, hotels, cafeterias, and any facility where animal or vegetable fats are used in cooking. The type of facility required-often a hydromechanical grease interceptor (HGI) or a larger gravity grease interceptor (GGI)-depends on the volume and nature of your operations ¹. These units are engineered to capture and congeal grease and solids before wastewater enters the public sewer lines, with capacities typically ranging from 500 to 4,000 gallons based on specific facility needs ^{1 2}.

A core tenet of the code is the 25% rule. Grease interceptors must be cleaned and pumped out frequently enough to prevent the combined accumulation of fats, oils, grease, and food solids from exceeding 25% of the unit's liquid volume ³. Allowing grease to build beyond this point significantly reduces the interceptor's efficiency, allowing FOG to escape into the sewer and putting your business at immediate risk of non-compliance. The city provides specific maintenance record charts that operators must use to track these cleanings ³.

The Critical Role of Maintenance and Pumping Frequency

How often should your grease trap be serviced? While the Edmonds code sets the performance standard (the 25% rule), the actual pumping frequency is determined by your kitchen's grease production. For most active restaurants, a cleaning schedule of every 1 to 3 months is standard ^{4 5}. High-volume establishments or those with particularly greasy menus may require monthly service, while lower-volume operations might extend to quarterly service. The only way to know for sure is to work with a licensed service provider who can assess your trap's condition and establish a compliant schedule based on actual accumulation rates.

Skipping or delaying scheduled cleanings is a costly gamble. When a trap becomes overfull, it ceases to function properly. This can lead to slow-draining sinks, foul odors in your kitchen, and most critically, a grease discharge violation. Furthermore, emergency service calls for a severely clogged or overflowing interceptor can cost two to three times more than a routine, scheduled cleaning ^{6 7}. Proactive maintenance is always more affordable than reactive repairs.

Documentation: Your Proof of Compliance

In Edmonds, proper record-keeping is as important as the cleaning itself. The city requires businesses to maintain a detailed FOG Maintenance Log for a minimum of three years ^{4 8}. This log must be readily available for review by city inspectors. Essential information to record for each service includes:

• The date of pumping/cleaning.
• The name of the pumping or service company.
• The volume of grease, scum, and solids removed (in gallons).
• The disposal method and location (must be an authorized facility) ^{9 5}.

The City of Edmonds provides a standardized "Grease Trap Maintenance Record" sheet, which is the preferred document for this purpose and should be posted near the interceptor ³. Using this form ensures you capture all required data points.

Inspection and Enforcement: What to Expect

The City of Edmonds Public Works & Utilities department is responsible for enforcing the FOG ordinance ⁴. Inspectors may conduct routine checks or investigate complaints related to sewer issues. During an inspection, they will typically request to see your three-year maintenance log and may visually inspect your grease interceptor ^{9 8}.

Penalties for non-compliance can be severe. They are designed to be deterrents and may include substantial monetary fines. In cases of repeated violations or significant sewer blockages attributed to your establishment, the city can take further action, which may include requiring more frequent cleanings, installing additional pretreatment equipment, or even suspending sewer service-a move that would effectively shut down your business ¹⁰. Consistent, documented maintenance is your best defense against these outcomes and helps build a positive, cooperative relationship with city officials.

Understanding Service Costs and Selecting a Provider

The cost of grease trap cleaning in Edmonds varies based on the size of your interceptor, its condition, and the frequency of service. For a well-maintained trap on a regular schedule, businesses can expect to pay in the range of $175 to $475 per service, with many standard cleanings falling between $250 and $400 ^{6 7}. These costs cover the pumping, hauling, and proper disposal of the waste at licensed facilities.

It is crucial to select a licensed, reputable, and insured service provider. A qualified professional will not only perform the physical cleaning but also help you understand your specific compliance requirements, recommend an optimal service frequency, and provide the detailed documentation you need for your logs. They are familiar with Edmonds' local codes and disposal regulations, ensuring the entire process is handled correctly ¹¹. Always verify that your provider is licensed to operate in Washington State and ask for references from other local food service businesses.

Key Actions for Edmonds Food Service Businesses

1. Know Your Equipment: Identify the type and capacity of your grease interceptor. Locate its access points and ensure they are never blocked.
2. Establish a Proactive Schedule: Don't wait for problems. Partner with a licensed grease trap cleaning service to establish a pumping schedule that keeps your unit below the 25% accumulation threshold at all times.
3. Document Meticulously: Use the city's provided maintenance record sheet or an equivalent log. Record every service immediately and keep all records for at least three years.
4. Train Your Staff: Educate kitchen staff on best practices for minimizing grease discharge, such as scraping plates into trash bins before washing and avoiding pouring fats down the drain.
5. Communicate with the City: For specific questions about your facility's requirements, contact the City of Edmonds Public Works & Utilities Department directly. They are the authoritative source for local code interpretation and can provide guidance ^{4 1}.

Staying ahead of grease trap maintenance is a smart business strategy. It prevents expensive emergencies, ensures uninterrupted operations, and keeps your establishment in good standing with the City of Edmonds. By integrating regular cleaning and rigorous documentation into your standard operating procedures, you protect your business from avoidable risks and contribute to a healthier community infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions

Sources