Grease Trap / Grease Management System Maintenance Checklist
Keep commercial kitchen drainage flowing and compliant — grease trap emptying and cleaning, baffle and dosing checks, odour control, and waste transfer records.
What is a grease trap maintenance checklist?
A grease trap / grease management system maintenance checklist is a structured list of the 10 preventive maintenance tasks — covering visual, functional, cleaning and record-keeping checks — that keep a grease trap / grease management system running safely and reliably. It groups routine checks by frequency, from daily inspections to annual servicing, so FM teams and building engineers can plan and evidence preventive maintenance.
Core grease trap checks
- Check FOG and solids accumulation against the trap's capacity
- Verify any automatic grease recovery unit cycles and skims correctly
- Empty and clean the trap on a schedule suited to the kitchen's load
- Confirm waste is removed by a licensed carrier with transfer notes
What is a grease trap / grease management system?
A grease trap (grease interceptor) separates fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from commercial kitchen wastewater before it enters the drainage system, preventing blockages, odours, and pollution. Devices range from small under-sink units to large passive interceptors and automated grease recovery or biological dosing systems. Water companies can impose discharge requirements on FOG, and blocked drains from poor grease management are a frequent cause of kitchen closures. Maintenance is about regular emptying and cleaning, keeping baffles and screens clear, managing any dosing system, and keeping waste transfer records.
This checklist is one of 25 in our plumbing and water system maintenance checklists, covering pressurisation units, booster sets, storage tanks, TMVs and water treatment — pressure, hygiene and legionella control.
Typical Grease Trap maintenance checklist
A practical starting point for planned preventive maintenance. Always refer to the manufacturer's O&M manual and site-specific requirements.
Visual Checks
- Check FOG and solids accumulation against the trap's capacity
- Inspect for odour, indicating overdue cleaning or a venting issue
- Confirm the trap is watertight with no leaks to the surrounding area
Functional Checks
- Verify any automatic grease recovery unit cycles and skims correctly
- Check biological/enzyme dosing system operation and chemical stock
- Check downstream drainage flows freely with no FOG carry-over
Cleaning & Housekeeping
- Empty and clean the trap on a schedule suited to the kitchen's load
- Inspect and clean baffles, screens, and the inlet/outlet for grease build-up
Record Keeping
- Confirm waste is removed by a licensed carrier with transfer notes
- Record emptying, cleaning, dosing, and waste documentation in the log
Download the free Grease Trap maintenance checklist PDF
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Typical maintenance frequency
Suggested intervals for grease trap / grease management system maintenance. Actual frequencies should follow manufacturer guidance and site-specific risk assessments.
Weekly
- •Check FOG/solids level
- •Skim or empty under-sink units as needed
- •Confirm dosing operating
Monthly
- •Empty and clean trap (load-dependent)
- •Clean baffles and screens
- •Check for odour and leaks
Annually
- •Full clean-out and inspection
- •Service grease recovery unit
- •Review discharge compliance and records
Common faults and issues
Issues to be aware of when maintaining grease trap / grease management system equipment.
Safety and compliance notes
Key safety considerations for grease trap / grease management system maintenance. This is general guidance only — always follow OEM instructions, statutory requirements, and your organisation's safe systems of work.
Reference standards and frameworks
- United Kingdom
- HSE ACoP L8 and HSG274 for water hygiene
- North America
- ASHRAE Standard 188 (legionellosis risk management)
Frameworks commonly referenced when planning grease trap maintenance programmes. Always confirm the requirements that apply to your site and jurisdiction.
Managing Grease Trap documentation with PM Assist
PM Assist helps FM and building operations teams search their O&M manuals and building drawings in seconds. Upload your grease trap / grease management system documentation and ask questions like “What is the grease trap's capacity and empty schedule?” or “Who is the licensed waste carrier?” — and get source-cited answers instantly.
See PM Assist answer questions about a real grease trap manual — try the live demo, no signup needed.
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Further reading on grease trap maintenance
Compliance topics for grease trap maintenance
Frequently asked questions
How often should a grease trap be emptied?
Are grease traps a legal requirement?
What records should I keep for grease management?
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