How Much Does Grease Trap Installation Cost?

Whether you run a large restaurant or a small cafe, a grease trap is definitely on the menu for keeping that damaging grease out of your wastewater system. Check out this guide to grease trap installation and its costs.

Grease Trap Installation Factors

There are several factors that affect the cost of your grease trap installation. These factors include your location, grease trap requirements, the size and shape of the grease trap and the type of material that comprises the grease trap. If you’re searching for a large grease trap for a commercial restaurant, grease traps are available in sizes from 40 pounds to several hundreds of pounds. The larger the grease trap, the more expensive the installation in most cases, according to WebstaurantStore.

Grease Trap Installation Regulations

When you determine the size of grease trap that you require, you’ll need to check with your local government to ensure that your trap meets the issued standards. Most cities or towns require professional grease trap installation along with a government inspection of the working grease trap. Once the grease trap is installed, the restaurant must pass an inspection by the local governing body. If the inspection is failed, repairs must be made to ensure compliance with local rules and regulations, per the City of Tampa.

Grease Trap Installation Costs

The average cost of a 100-pound plastic grease trap is about $630 while the average cost of 350-pound plastic grease trap may reach $3,000. Some grease traps offer threaded connections while others must be bonded or welded. Some traps are mounted under cabinets while some are buried in the ground. Installation costs vary according to the difficulties associated with the type of grease trap chosen. Grease trap installation varies from several hundred dollars to about $2,000 or more, notes Grease Cycle.

Grease Trap Cleaning

Once your grease trap is installed, and you’re using it, it’s necessary to clean the trap. Some smaller grease traps are simple to clean by removing debris and rinsing the chamber. Larger grease traps usually require the services of a licensed plumber or a plumbing company for cleaning. Grease traps generally have about a five-year lifespan and must be cleaned monthly, according to Grease Trap.

Self-Cleaning Grease Traps

Another type of investment when it comes to grease traps is the self-cleaning grease trap. These grease traps are programmed to skim the grease that has separated from the water and to dump that grease into a waste receptacle. This type of grease trap minimizes the time and effort spent cleaning the trap but is more expensive when it comes to purchase cost. Check out a grease trap sizing chart to ensure that the trap that you choose is large enough to suit your needs, states Restaurant Supply.