Grease Trap Pumping and Cleaning

Grease Trap Pumping and Cleaning in Syracuse, NY and Surrounding Areas

A grease trap or interceptor is an essential device, especially for restaurants, cafes, and commercial food establishments. It traps fat, oil, grease, and solids from the kitchen wastewater before it enters the sewer waste system. These substances are disastrous for a residential or commercial sewer system. The grease trap requires regular cleaning and pumping by a qualified and trained professional to clear out the solid and grease that builds up over time. After removal, the FOG (fat, oil, and grease) is taken to a processing facility for further treatment. Failure to do so reduces the device’s efficiency and can lead to extensive damage. 


Grease sticks to the pipe walls, eventually leading to sewer clogs, corrosion, overflow, foul odor, pest infestation, and septic system damage resulting in downtime, fines, costly repairs, and replacements. Periodic grease trap cleaning and pumping helps prolong its life and keeps it and the pipes in top shape. Some businesses may require grease trap pumping and cleaning every month while others every three to six months, depending on grease trap size, the volume of grease produced, or specifications by the local municipality. 


Grease trap cleaning and pumping professionals use trucks with large tanks to collect grease. They use a hose to connect the grease tank with the collection tank to transfer the grease trap contents into the tank. After removing all the waste, the pros scrape the trap surface to remove hardened FOGs or use pressured water for the purpose. They then thoroughly inspect the trap to check the device for potential issues. 


Our team at C Mattes Inc offers reliable grease trap pumping and cleaning services in Syracuse, NY, and surrounding areas. We will ensure that your lines are free of clogs and that the commercial kitchen runs uninterrupted.

Benefits of Regular Grease Trap Cleaning

  • Prevents clogging: Excessive fats, oil, and grease buildup in the grease trap can clog and damage the system, reduce its performance, and cause a severe back-up. Regular cleaning keeps the grease trap safe and clean and prevents buildup.


  • Cost-effective than repairs: Grease trap cleaning and maintenance avoid sewer problems and save money on costly repairs or replacements. Also, neglecting grease trap cleaning for long will clog it and cause it to malfunction and become faulty. Emergency grease trap repair costs much higher than getting it cleaned regularly.


  • Better for the environment: Once a grease trap becomes full or starts to overflow, it loses its capability to trap more grease. Overflowing grease escapes and enters the water lines or main water supply. Grease entering the water system is a health and environmental hazard. Regular cleaning prevents overflow and helps protect the environment.


  • Maintains kitchen hygiene: Dirty or clogged grease trap results in a foul odor, which is unpleasant for the employees and visitors. Periodic grease trap cleaning prevents sewer gasses and foul odor from spoiling the kitchen environment and keeps it smelling fresh and nice.


  • Keeps your kitchen functional: When the grease trap becomes full, the accumulated fat, oil, and grease will back up in the drain and lead to messy floors and a kitchen that is expensive to clean and spoil the establishment's reputation, and even lead to hefty fines and shutdown. Regular grease trap cleaning keeps up with the regulation and maintains a functional and healthy kitchen.

C Mattes Inc - Reliable Grease Trap Pumping and Cleaning Company in Syracuse, NY

If you need your grease trap pumped or cleaned in Syracuse, NY, call C Matted Inc for assistance. We are open 24/7 to help you with emergency grease trap cleaning. We can also assist you in fulfilling the documentation required to ensure your commercial establishment complies with the local guidelines. We have an unmatched reputation for adhering to industry standards and protocols to ensure environmentally responsible wastewater disposal. We take the health of your grease trap seriously and guarantee 100% customer satisfaction. 


Call us today or fill out the form to schedule grease trap cleaning by the best in the industry.

FAQ's

  • Why is regular grease trap cleaning important?

    Grease traps prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering sewer lines, but if not cleaned regularly, they can clog, causing backups, foul odors, and health hazards. A neglected grease trap can lead to plumbing emergencies, fines, and even business shutdowns. Routine cleaning ensures compliance with local regulations, improves efficiency, and extends the lifespan of your plumbing system. Restaurants and commercial kitchens should adhere to a strict cleaning schedule to prevent costly repairs and maintain a safe, hygienic environment.

  • How often should my grease trap be pumped?

    The frequency depends on your kitchen’s volume, trap size, and local regulations. A general rule is to pump the trap when it's 25% full of FOG, typically every 1 to 3 months. High-volume establishments, like fast-food restaurants, may require monthly servicing, while lower-use facilities can go longer. Failure to pump on time can lead to blockages, foul odors, and regulatory fines. Our team can assess your specific needs and recommend an optimal cleaning schedule.

  • What are the signs that my grease trap needs servicing?

    Common indicators include slow drainage, strong sewage odors, grease buildup in sinks, and water backups. If you notice increased pest activity, like flies or rodents, your grease trap could be attracting them. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to expensive emergency plumbing issues or health code violations. If you're experiencing any of these problems, it’s time for professional cleaning to restore proper function and prevent costly disruptions.

  • What happens if I don’t clean my grease trap?

    Neglecting grease trap maintenance leads to clogs, overflows, and foul smells, causing operational disruptions and potential health violations. It can also result in hefty fines from health and environmental authorities. Over time, hardened grease deposits require extensive cleaning or even trap replacement. Regular maintenance is far more cost-effective than emergency repairs. Keeping up with a scheduled service plan prevents major plumbing failures and keeps your business running smoothly.

  • What’s involved in the grease trap pumping process?

    Our process includes removing the grease, sludge, and wastewater, then thoroughly cleaning the trap to remove hardened buildup. We inspect the system for any blockages, cracks, or inefficiencies, ensuring it functions properly. We also check inlet and outlet pipes to prevent future clogs. Finally, the collected waste is disposed of according to local environmental regulations. Our technicians ensure minimal disruption to your operations and leave your grease trap in peak condition.

  • How can I reduce grease buildup in my grease trap?

    Implementing best practices can extend the time between cleanings. Train staff to properly dispose of grease—never pour it down drains. Use strainers in sinks to catch food scraps, regularly wipe down greasy cookware before washing, and use hot water and detergent to break down minor grease deposits. These habits reduce FOG accumulation, improving grease trap efficiency and lowering maintenance costs. Consistent employee education is key to preventing avoidable grease trap issues.

  • Are there regulations governing grease trap maintenance?

    Yes, grease trap maintenance is strictly regulated by local health and environmental agencies. Failure to comply can result in fines, legal actions, and even business closures. In Syracuse, NY, businesses must follow municipal wastewater regulations that dictate cleaning frequency and proper waste disposal methods. Our team stays updated on all local codes and ensures your business remains compliant, helping you avoid penalties and operational disruptions.

  • Does grease trap cleaning eliminate bad odors?

    Yes! Grease traps accumulate rotting food waste, causing strong odors when not cleaned regularly. Professional pumping removes odor-causing sludge and bacteria buildup. Additionally, we inspect for leaks or improper venting that might be contributing to persistent smells. If odors persist even after cleaning, there may be underlying plumbing issues. Routine service is the best way to keep your establishment smelling fresh and maintaining a clean, customer-friendly environment.

  • How do I know if my grease trap is the right size for my business?

    Grease traps come in various sizes, and an undersized trap will fill too quickly, requiring more frequent cleanings. If you're experiencing constant backups or rapid FOG accumulation, your trap may be too small. We can assess your kitchen’s grease output and recommend upgrades or alternative maintenance schedules to keep your system running efficiently. Proper sizing not only saves on maintenance costs but also prevents unnecessary disruptions.

  • What are common misconceptions about grease trap cleaning?

    One major misconception is that using drain cleaners or hot water can dissolve grease permanently—this only pushes grease further down the pipes, leading to blockages later. Another myth is that infrequent cleaning saves money, but neglect often results in costly emergency plumbing repairs. Some believe grease traps are self-cleaning, but in reality, they require regular maintenance to function effectively. Understanding these misconceptions helps businesses avoid preventable issues.