If your restaurant, food service business, or commercial kitchen operates in Tampa Bay, regular grease trap pumping isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal and environmental requirement. Staying on top of your grease trap maintenance schedule is essential for long-term success by maintaining clean operations and avoiding costly fines.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about grease trap pumping regulations in Tampa, how often your grease trap should be serviced, and what to look for in a licensed provider.
Why Regular Grease Trap Pumping Matters
Your grease trap is designed to capture fats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.) before they reach municipal sewer lines. But without regular pumping and maintenance, that trap can overflow, clog drain lines, emit foul odors, and cause backups into your kitchen or facility.
Proper grease trap pumping prevents:
- Plumbing blockages and equipment downtime
- Health department violations or shutdowns
- Environmental contamination and local sewer damage
- Costly emergency repairs and restoration work
ACE Septic & Waste helps restaurants and other food-focused commercial and service businesses across Tampa Bay avoid these issues with dependable, scheduled pump-outs and documentation that meets all state and county requirements.
Tampa Bay & Florida Grease Trap Requirements
Each county in Central Florida enforces its own grease waste disposal codes, but they’re all backed by Florida DEP regulations that require licensed hauling, manifest tracking, and proof of maintenance:
- Hillsborough County requires proof of regular cleaning and may inspect traps during health reviews.
- Pinellas County mandates monthly pumping unless a variance is approved based on trap size and usage.
- Florida DEP regulations (F.A.C. Chapter 62‑701) require that all grease waste be hauled by permitted service providers and properly documented with manifests.
Failure to comply can lead to steep penalties, especially if F.O.G. is found entering the public sewer system. ACE ensures every service includes proper documentation and can help you pass health inspections with confidence.
How Often Should You Pump Your Grease Trap?
The ideal pumping frequency depends on the size of your trap, your food volume, and your cleaning practices—but a general rule of thumb is:
| Business Type | Recommended Pumping Frequency |
|---|---|
| High-volume restaurants (fried foods, BBQ, etc.) | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Medium-volume kitchens (full-service dining) | Monthly |
| Light-duty cafes, sandwich shops | Every 1–3 months |
| Schools, assisted living, etc. | Every 2–4 months |
Advanced Services to Keep Your Trap Working
In addition to routine pumping, we offer grease trap maintenance solutions that improve long-term performance and help prevent emergency calls:
- Hydro Jetting: Clears clogged lines and prevents F.O.G. buildup in the trap and downstream pipes.
- Interior & Exterior Trap Cleaning: We service under-sink and in-ground systems of all sizes.
- Biological Treatments: Optional enzyme and bacteria additives can reduce odor and help with grease digestion between services.
- Line Camera Inspections: Verify blockages, root intrusion, or broken piping if recurring issues arise.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Failing to maintain your grease trap can lead to much more than bad smells. Here’s what’s at stake:
- Health department shutdowns: A single failed inspection can halt business operations.
- Local code violations and fines: Counties may issue penalties for illegal grease discharge.
- Emergency repair costs: Overflow cleanup, plumbing backups, or pump-out emergencies are always more expensive than preventive service.
- Environmental liability: Grease discharged into sewers can result in DEP enforcement or even legal action in severe cases.
Avoid the risk by scheduling regular service and keeping full documentation of every pump-out.
Why Choose ACE Septic & Waste for Grease Trap Pumping
We’re not just another grease hauler. ACE Septic is a licensed, multi-service provider with deep roots in Tampa Bay. We specialize in helping restaurants, commercial kitchens, and food processors stay compliant and operational.
Here’s why our clients stick with us:
- Local expertise: We know the specific regulations in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk counties.
- Compliance-first service: Each pump-out includes a completed manifest and optional maintenance log.
- Advanced equipment: Hydro jetting and emergency support are available upon request.
- Tailored plans: We build maintenance schedules that match your trap size, usage, and inspection cycle.
- Franchise-ready: ACE supports multi-site operators with unified documentation and regional service consistency.
Looking for dependable, affordable grease trap service in Tampa or beyond? We’ve got you covered.
Call 813-971-8770 to request an inspection or schedule service today.
