Top Grease Trap Cleaning in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin Ranked

For restaurant owners and food service operators in Wauwatosa, maintaining a clean and compliant grease trap or interceptor is a critical, non-negotiable part of daily operations. These systems are your first line of defense against costly sewer blockages, environmental fines, and operational shutdowns. Compliance is governed by a combination of strict state plumbing codes, local health regulations, and the oversight of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). This guide provides a detailed overview of everything you need to know about grease interceptor maintenance, from legal requirements and service frequency to cost expectations and best practices for your establishment.

AJacks Sewer & Drain Cleaning

15225 W Rogers Dr, New Berlin, WI 53151

AJacks Sewer & Drain Cleaning is a drain cleaning company based in Waukesha, WI, serving South-Eastern Wisconsin including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, Kenosha, and Walworth counties. Established in 1958, they provide commercial and residential drain cleaning services such as grease trap cleaning, video sewer inspections, and clearing of main lines, laterals, floor drains, and storm sewers. AJacks specializes in sewer and drain cleaning rather than general plumbing, offering expertise in water 'out' systems. Their team uses specialized cameras for inspections and handles tough blockages efficiently.

4.9

71 Reviews

Stanley Walter Septic Tank Cleaning LLC.

S65W22175 National Ave, Waukesha, WI 53189

Stanley Walter Septic Tank Cleaning LLC is a family-owned and locally operated company based near Milwaukee, WI, serving Southeast Wisconsin. They provide a range of septic services including septic tank and mound system pumping, holding tank pumping, and grease trap cleaning for commercial kitchens. The company uses high-pressure water jetting to clear clogged drain lines and sewers, effectively removing solids and roots from septic systems. Established in 1953, Stanley Walter Septic Tank Cleaning LLC has built a reputation for personalized and comprehensive septic maintenance and repair services.

4.5

51 Reviews

Giddings Hawkins Maintenance Service LLC

2112 S 56th St, West Allis, WI 53219

Giddings Hawkins Maintenance Service LLC is a non-hazardous liquid waste management and industrial maintenance company based in West Allis, Wisconsin. Founded in 1987, it serves customers throughout Milwaukee, Madison, and southeast Wisconsin. The company specializes in grease trap pumping, catch basin pumping, and other non-hazardous liquid waste pumping services. They also provide kitchen hood, duct, and fan maintenance along with industrial maintenance for various industries including restaurants, manufacturing, hospitals, and commercial properties. Giddings Hawkins is licensed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and fully insured.

3.7

6 Reviews

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Understanding Local Regulations and Compliance

Wauwatosa food service establishments (FSEs) must adhere to a layered regulatory framework. The primary rules come from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (SPS 382) for plumbing and the Department of Health Services (DHS 5) for sanitation ^{1 2}. Crucially, as part of the Milwaukee metro area, Wauwatosa is also under the jurisdiction of the MMSD, which has its own enforceable mandates to protect the regional sewer system from fat, oil, and grease (FOG) ¹.

The Wisconsin plumbing code (SPS 382) specifies design and installation standards for grease interceptors, including requirements for multi-compartment units and accessible manholes ^{3 4}. The state health code (DHS 5-402.12) explicitly requires that grease interceptors be easily accessible for cleaning and inspection and must be maintained in accordance with the state plumbing code ². Non-compliance isn't just a paperwork issue; it can lead to significant penalties from multiple authorities.

Required Service Frequency and Record-Keeping

How often must you clean your grease interceptor? The rule is clear: cleaning is required when the combined accumulation of grease and solids reaches 25% of the interceptor's liquid capacity, or at a minimum, every 90 days (whichever comes first) ^{1 5}. For many busy restaurants, especially those with high-volume cooking, this often means monthly pump-out and cleaning services are necessary to stay within the 25% threshold.

Documentation is as important as the cleaning itself. You are legally required to maintain detailed service records for a minimum of three years. These records must include:

• The date of each cleaning or pumping.
• The volume of grease and solids removed.
• The disposal method and destination (with verification from your service provider).
• The name of the company or person who performed the service.

These logs must be available on-site for review during inspections ^{1 6}.

Inspection and Enforcement: What to Expect

Inspections by MMSD or local health officials can be unannounced ¹. An inspector will check your interceptor's condition, review your maintenance records, and may measure grease buildup. The consequences of failing an inspection are severe and can include:

• Substantial Fines: MMSD can levy fines ranging from $500 to over $2,000 per violation ¹.
• State and Local Penalties: Additional fines from state or city authorities can exceed $1,000 for a first violation ¹.
• Operational Closure: In cases of severe neglect or repeat violations, authorities can order your business to cease operations until the issue is resolved.
• Damage Liability: If your neglected FOG discharge causes a sewer backup or damages public infrastructure, your business can be held financially liable for the cleanup and repair costs ¹.

Cost of Grease Trap Cleaning Services in Wauwatosa

The price for professional grease interceptor maintenance varies based on the size of your unit, its location, and its condition. Regular, scheduled service is always more affordable than emergency cleanings. Here is a general cost breakdown based on industry averages and local service data ^{7 8 9}:

• Small or Indoor Grease Traps (Regular Maintenance): For smaller units under sinks or in kitchens, scheduled cleaning typically costs between $75 and $225 per service ^{7 9}.
• Standard Underground Interceptors (1,000 - 1,500 gallon): This is a common size for many restaurants. A scheduled pump-out and cleaning for a unit of this scale generally ranges from $225 to $475, with most services falling in the $250 to $400 range for a routine visit ^{7 8 10}.
• Emergency or Neglected Cleanings: If an interceptor is severely overloaded, causing backups, or requires emergency service outside of normal hours, costs can escalate quickly. These complex jobs often range from $800 to $1,200 or more ^{7 11}.

Investing in a regular service contract is the most effective way to manage costs, ensure compliance, and avoid the steep prices and operational headaches of an emergency.

Best Practices for Grease Interceptor Management

Beyond hiring a reliable service provider, you can take proactive steps to extend the life of your interceptor and improve its efficiency.

1. Train Your Staff: Ensure kitchen staff understand what should and should not go down the drain. Scrape all food solids into trash or compost bins before washing. Never pour grease from fryers or pans down the sink.
2. Use Pre-Sink Strainers: Install and regularly empty strainer baskets in all sink drains to catch food particles.
3. Schedule Regular Kitchen Drain Line Jetting: Have the drain lines between your sinks and the interceptor professionally jetted quarterly to prevent grease buildup in the pipes.
4. Know Your System: Locate your interceptor and its access points. Understand its size and capacity, and keep a simple log to track its fullness between professional services.
5. Choose a Reputable Service Provider: Work with a licensed, insured, and experienced provider who understands Wauwatosa and MMSD regulations. They should provide detailed service reports for your records.

The Environmental and Community Impact

Proper grease trap maintenance in Wauwatosa isn't just about avoiding fines. It's a vital component of protecting our local environment and infrastructure. When FOG enters the sewer system, it cools and solidifies, creating massive "fatbergs" that block pipes. This can lead to sewage overflows into local waterways like the Menomonee River, environmental damage, and increased treatment costs for the community. By responsibly managing your grease, your business contributes to the health of Wauwatosa's sewer system and the broader Milwaukee watershed.

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