Grease Trap Cleaning

Grease Trap Cleaning in Chicago, IL

Trust Our Proven Process & Experience for Grease Trap Cleaning & Plumbing Services

Commercial kitchens in Chicago depend on grease traps to keep plumbing systems functioning and health inspections in check. Over time, these traps fill with fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that can clog your plumbing, disrupt business, and lead to costly violations. That’s why regular grease trap cleaning isn’t just a good idea—it’s necessary.

At Charge Plumbing, we provide thorough grease trap cleaning services to businesses across Chicago. Our team helps restaurants, cafeterias, commercial kitchens, and food processing facilities stay compliant with city ordinances and keep operations running without interruption.

Need Grease Trap Cleaning in Chicago? Call Charge Plumbing at (708) 773-7991 or send us a message online today!

Why Chicago Businesses Need Regular Grease Trap Cleaning

Grease traps are designed to separate FOG from wastewater before it enters the municipal sewer system. When these traps go too long without cleaning, grease builds up and blocks water flow. This causes backups, foul odors, plumbing damage, and even health department citations.

In a city like Chicago, where regulations are strict and the food scene is competitive, clean grease traps aren’t optional. Most local health departments require routine cleanings based on volume and kitchen activity.

Our team handles this maintenance for you, helping your business avoid expensive repairs and fines while maintaining sanitary and efficient operations.

What’s Involved in Grease Trap Cleaning?

We start by removing the lid and inspecting the trap to check buildup levels. Then we vacuum out all FOG, solids, and wastewater using commercial-grade pumps. After removal, we scrape the sides clean, rinse the trap, and verify proper water flow.

We also provide documentation for your records, which is often required by the City of Chicago during inspections. With our routine service, your grease trap stays clear—and so does your kitchen schedule.

Serving All Types of Commercial Properties in Chicago

Whether you run a small diner in Humboldt Park or manage a large hotel kitchen downtown, we offer flexible grease trap cleaning to fit your business. Our clients include:

  • Restaurants and cafes
  • School and university cafeterias
  • Hotels and resorts
  • Food manufacturing plants
  • Supermarkets with deli or bakery sections
  • Hospitals and healthcare kitchens

We understand that each commercial kitchen faces different levels of grease accumulation. That’s why we customize our cleaning schedule based on usage, trap size, and industry regulations.

Signs You Need Grease Trap Cleaning

Most business owners in Chicago schedule routine cleaning every 1–3 months depending on their kitchen’s output. But if you’re noticing the following, your trap may already need immediate service:

  • Water drains slowly in sinks or floor drains
  • Strong odors around the kitchen or grease trap
  • Grease floating on top of your trap’s water
  • Plumbing backups or overflows

The sooner you handle these issues, the less likely you’ll face downtime or health code penalties.

Stay Compliant with Chicago’s Grease Disposal Rules

Chicago enforces strict grease disposal guidelines. If your grease trap isn’t maintained, you could face fines or forced closures. Our services help keep your kitchen compliant with:

  • City of Chicago Department of Water Management requirements
  • Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) guidelines
  • Grease disposal recordkeeping regulations

We offer recurring service plans so your business never misses a cleaning window. You focus on your kitchen—we’ll handle the grease.

Hear From Our Happy Customers

At Charge Plumbing, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.

    "My experience was amazing."
    I would recommend this company to family and friends.
    - Domineka M.
    "I will definitely contact this company again if I need further assistance."
    It took less than a hour to complete and I really appreciate him for helping me.
    - Ashira B.
    "Thank you so much Charge Plumbing!!!"
    We are new to the South suburbs and now we don't need to worry if we ever need you again.
    - Stacy H.
    "You can trust Charge Plumbing with your needs."
    Don’s pricing was fair and his technique was top-notch!
    - Karlyn B.
    "Don’s pricing was fair and his technique was top notch!"
    You do not have to look anywhere else! You can trust Charge Construction and Plumbing with your needs.
    - Karlyn B.
    "I will definitely contact this company again if I need further assistance."
    From the time of initial contact until the end of service, I was treated with professionalism.
    - Ashira B.
    "I’m very grateful Lisa was able to fit me into their schedule."
    I’ll definitely keep Charge Plumbing in mind next time I need any plumbing work done. Thank you!!
    - Jaime A.

Grease Trap Maintenance Plans

Many of our Chicago clients prefer scheduled maintenance to avoid last-minute problems. We can set up a recurring cleaning plan based on your trap size and kitchen activity. These plans include reminders, reports, and consistent service from the same experienced team.

Why Choose Charge Plumbing?

We have years of experience serving Chicago’s food service industry. Our licensed plumbers know the local codes and use high-powered equipment to clear traps thoroughly. We also offer reminders for your next scheduled cleaning, so your maintenance stays on track without adding to your workload.

Our team arrives on time, handles everything cleanly, and provides proof of service so you’re ready for any city inspection.

  • Financing Options Available
    We understand the financial burden some plumbing work can bring. That's why we've partnered up with Wisetack to offer you financing help in the times that are needed most to keep your home running smoothly.
  • Locally Owned & Operated
    Our longstanding presence in the community reflects our commitment to quality work and customer satisfaction. Charge Plumbing is trusted in the community to deliver quality plumbing solutions to all homes and businesses.
  • Customer Care Focused
    Our number one priority is for all our customers to have an excellent experience from beginning to end. From the time you call us to schedule your appointment to the end of the service we provide.
  • Trained & Certified Technicians
    Highly trained and certified technicians to ensure precise diagnostics, efficient repairs, and adherence to industry standards. Our certifications are our commitment to continuous learning and mastery of advanced technologies.
Would Financing Help? We've Got You Covered
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Emergency Grease Trap Service in Chicago

If you’re facing a sudden backup or overflow, our emergency plumbers can respond quickly. We’ll remove blockages, clean the trap, and inspect your system to prevent future issues.

For businesses that can’t afford downtime, we also offer after-hours service to clean traps without disrupting regular operations.

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    Evacuate the premises immediately, do not use any electrical devices or open flames, and call your gas company and a plumber to address the issue.

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    To prevent frozen pipes, insulate exposed pipes, keep cabinets under sinks open to allow warm air circulation, and let faucets drip during extremely cold temperatures.

Fully Charged Operation We Are Ready to Help

At Charge Plumbing, we are here to help you. Experience the difference of personalized care and expertise that sets us apart. Contact us today to get started.

FAQs About Grease Trap Cleaning in Chicago, IL

  1. How often should a restaurant in Chicago schedule grease trap cleaning?
    Most restaurants schedule cleaning every 30 to 90 days. High-volume kitchens may need more frequent service to stay in compliance and avoid backups.
  2. Can uncleaned grease traps lead to fines in Chicago?
    Yes. Chicago health inspectors require proof of grease trap maintenance. Failure to comply can result in citations or shutdowns.
  3. What’s the average cost of grease trap cleaning in Chicago?
    Costs vary by trap size and access, but most range between $150–$500. Regular service usually costs less than emergency cleanouts or plumbing repairs.
  4. Do you offer service after business hours?
    Yes. We offer early morning, late evening, and weekend appointments so we don’t interrupt your kitchen’s workflow.
  5. What size grease traps do you clean?
    We clean both small in-kitchen traps and large outdoor interceptors. No matter the size, we bring the right equipment for the job.
  6. Will I receive proof of cleaning for inspections?
    Yes. We provide detailed cleaning logs and manifests that meet city inspection requirements.
  7. Can you help prevent grease trap odors?
    Yes. Routine cleaning removes the buildup that causes odors and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
  8. Do you haul away the grease?
    We remove and legally dispose of all collected grease and waste at approved Chicago facilities.
  9. How long does the cleaning process take?
    Most cleanings take 30–60 minutes, depending on access and buildup. Larger interceptors may take longer.
  10. Do you clean grease traps for schools and hospitals?
    Yes. We service all types of commercial kitchens, including educational and healthcare facilities across Chicago.

Need Grease Trap Cleaning in Chicago? Call Charge Plumbing at (708) 773-7991 or send us a message online today!