# Grease Trap Cleaning Tampa | Interceptor Pumping & Traps > Grease trap cleaning in Tampa: interceptors pumped to empty, a signed manifest every visit, published prices from $150. Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco. Call today. URL: https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/ # Grease Trap Cleaning Tampa: Commercial Trap Cleaning and Interceptor Pumping Grease trap cleaning in Tampa and across the bay, on the pumping rule your inspector actually checks. Pumped to empty, measured, and documented with a signed manifest every visit. [Call Now (727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) [Request a Quote](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/contact/) - Quotes by phone - Published price ranges - Signed manifest every visit - Hillsborough, Pinellas & Pasco ![Technician pumping an outdoor grease interceptor behind a stucco strip-center restaurant in Tampa, with an unmarked white vacuum truck](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/unmarked-vacuum-truck-pumping-grease-interceptor-behind-tampa-strip-center-1280.webp) - Full pump-out, no pump-and-return (F.S. 403.0741) - 25% grease + solids rule - Manifest kept on site 1–3 years by local rule - Haulers licensed under F.A.C. 62-705 Why kitchens call ## When a grease trap becomes the problem - ### A Notice of Violation Tampa gives 24 hours to clean a trap and 72 hours to pump an interceptor once a missed-frequency notice lands. - ### Floor drains backing up Grease that gets past a full trap hardens in the line and pushes dishwater back up through sinks and floor drains mid-service. - ### A failed re-inspection The City of Tampa bills $61 for every hour of inspector time when a re-inspection fails, and adds $50 if it has to pump the tank itself. - ### A smell in the dining room A neglected trap gives off hydrogen sulfide, the rotten-egg smell health inspectors and customers notice first. Services ## Grease trap and interceptor services From under-sink traps cleaned on a weekly-rule schedule to 2,500-gallon interceptors behind shared plazas. - [![Technician kneeling at an open under-sink grease trap below a stainless three-compartment sink in a Tampa restaurant kitchen](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/technician-cleaning-under-sink-grease-trap-tampa-restaurant-kitchen-card-640.webp) Priority service ### Indoor Grease Trap Cleaning Under-sink and in-floor traps cleaned, logged and hauled away, including automatic grease removal devices. Details](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/indoor-grease-trap-cleaning/) - [![Technician pumping a two-lid outdoor grease interceptor beside a Tampa restaurant with an unmarked vacuum truck](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/pumping-outdoor-grease-interceptor-two-lids-tampa-restaurant-card-640.webp) Priority service ### Grease Interceptor Pumping Outdoor interceptors pumped to empty, scraped and documented on the schedule your city or county enforces. Details](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-interceptor-pumping/) - [![Night-time emergency pump-out of an overflowing grease interceptor behind a Tampa restaurant, unmarked vacuum truck under work lights](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/emergency-night-pump-out-grease-interceptor-tampa-restaurant-card-640.webp) Priority service ### Emergency Grease Trap Pumping Overflowing trap, backed-up floor drains or a violation deadline. Call, and here's what to do while you wait. Details](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/emergency-grease-trap-pumping/) - [![Early-morning scheduled grease interceptor pump-out at a quiet Tampa Bay strip plaza before opening](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/scheduled-grease-interceptor-maintenance-early-morning-tampa-plaza-card-640.webp) Priority service ### Grease Trap Maintenance Plans Scheduled pumping set by your jurisdiction's rule and how fast your unit actually fills, with the paperwork kept straight. Details](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-maintenance-plans/) - [![Technician inspecting the inside of an open grease interceptor with a flashlight in a Tampa parking lot](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/inspecting-open-grease-interceptor-with-flashlight-tampa-card-640.webp) ### Grease Trap Inspection A written check of the trap, its fittings and your records before an inspector or a buyer finds the problem. Details](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-inspection/) - [![Hydro jetting hose fed into a kitchen floor cleanout to clear a restaurant grease line in Tampa](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/hydro-jetting-restaurant-kitchen-grease-line-cleanout-tampa-card-640.webp) ### Commercial Kitchen Hydro Jetting Grease-coated kitchen lines between fixtures, trap and sewer cleared with high-pressure water, not just punched through. Details](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/commercial-kitchen-hydro-jetting/) - [![Technician replacing a broken outlet tee inside an emptied grease interceptor in Tampa](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/replacing-outlet-tee-inside-grease-interceptor-tampa-card-640.webp) ### Grease Trap Repair Broken baffles, missing tees, flow-control devices and lids found, written up and fixed before the deadline. Details](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-repair/) - [![New precast concrete grease interceptor being set into an excavation behind a Tampa restaurant](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/new-precast-grease-interceptor-installation-tampa-parking-lot-card-640.webp) ### Grease Trap Installation New and replacement traps and interceptors: sizing, permits and the triggers that make the city require one. Details](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/grease-trap-installation/) ## What the City of Tampa actually requires Grease Trap Cleaning Tampa is a commercial grease trap cleaning and interceptor pumping service for restaurants, hotels and institutional kitchens in Tampa and the surrounding bay area. Inside city limits, the rules come from the City of Tampa Grease Management Ordinance (City Code Chapter 26, Article VII), and they are stricter in some ways than people expect and looser in others. There is no fixed pumping interval for interceptors in Tampa. Instead, the tank must be pumped before settled solids reach the outlet pipe (typically 8 inches), before grease and solids take up more than 25% of capacity, when it stops holding grease, or after any backup. Indoor traps must be opened, inspected and cleaned at least once a week. Every interceptor pump-out has to be done by a hauler registered with the City, and any enzyme or bacteria product needs the inspector's approval before it goes in the tank. Nearby jurisdictions set their own limits. Unincorporated Hillsborough allows up to 90 days, while Pinellas County and St. Petersburg expect monthly pump-outs: Where the kitchen drains Interval The rule City of Tampa No fixed days Pump before solids pass the outlet invert (~8 in), grease and solids exceed 25% of capacity, the unit stops retaining grease, a backup occurs, or sanitary waste enters. [Tampa Code Ch. 26 Art. VII, Sec. 26-306](https://library.municode.com/fl/tampa/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH26UT_ARTVIIGRMA) Hillsborough County (unincorporated) At least every 90 days Serviced at least every 90 days; contents never over 25% of wetted volume; alternate schedules by individual approval. [Hillsborough County Grease Management FAQ (Ch. 120 / Ord. 06-31 Art. VII)](https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blteea73b27b731f985/bltb6ccdb6e356f50af/Grease%20Management%20FAQs.pdf) Pinellas County Utilities At least every 30 days Pumped at least every 30 days; grease layer under 6 in and solids under 8 in; variance never over 180 days, voided if missed, not transferable. [Pinellas County Code Sec. 126-613](http://pinellascounty.elaws.us/code/coor_ch126_artvi_sec126-613) City of St. Petersburg At least every 30 days Pumped at least monthly; variance fee $275, maximum 180 days. [City of St. Petersburg FOG Best Management Practices Manual](https://cms5.revize.com/revize/stpete/Residents/utility_services/Grease%20Management/best_management_practices_manual_for_fats__oil_and_grease.pdf) Pasco County Utilities At least every 90 days Cleaned and pumped every 90 days, or sooner once FOG and food sludge reach 20% of volume; pump until empty and clean walls, cross pipes, inlet and outlet. [Pasco County Code Sec. 110-174](http://pascocounty.elaws.us/code/coor_ch110_artiv_div3_sec110-174) We work across Tampa's restaurant districts, including Ybor City, SoHo and South Howard, the Channel District and Water Street, Westshore, Hyde Park and Seminole Heights. The full breakdown is in [how often a grease trap must be cleaned in Tampa Bay](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/how-often-grease-trap-cleaned-tampa-bay/). Tampa violation deadlines After a City of Tampa Notice of Violation Clean a grease trap 24 hours Pump an interceptor 72 hours Repair a trap / interceptor 30 / 60 days Failed re-inspection $61/hour Source: City of Tampa Grease Management Ordinance compliance deadlines and fee schedule. [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) The difference ## Why Tampa kitchens call us - ### Pumped to empty, every time No decanting, no skimming, no water returned to the tank. That's state law, and it's the only way a pump-out actually resets the 25% clock. - ### Your rule, not a generic one Tampa, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, St. Pete, Clearwater, Largo and Pasco each set different limits. Your schedule follows the one that governs your address. - ### Paperwork an inspector accepts Signed manifest, measured depths and written notes on anything broken, ready for your logbook. - ### Prices you can see first Published price ranges on this site, with the evidence behind each one, and a price range on the phone. Ask for a written quote before work starts. How it works ## From first call to a signed manifest 1. 01 ### First call Tell us the kitchen's address, what kind of unit you have, and when it was last pumped. We tell you which rule applies and give a price range on the phone. 2. 02 ### On-site check We open the lids, measure grease and solids depth, and look at the baffles, tees and outlet. Ask for a written quote before work starts. 3. 03 ### Full pump-out The unit is pumped to empty, walls and baffles are scraped, and the inlet and outlet are checked for flow. 4. 04 ### Manifest and schedule You get a signed manifest for your logbook and a suggested date for the next visit, set by your rule and how fast the unit filled. Call About an Emergency Pump-Out Call any time. If we can't pick up, leave a message and you'll get a call back. [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) [Request a quote](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/contact/) Pricing ## What grease trap service costs in Tampa Bay Typical market ranges, with the strength of the evidence shown for each. Ask for a written quote before any work starts. Prices on this site are typical market ranges, not quotes. - ### Indoor / under-sink trap (20–100 gal), per cleaning $150–$350 per visit Low confidence greasetrapflorida.com Tampa Bay range $175–300 (directory, no published methodology) - ### Interceptor 1,000–1,500 gal, per pump-out $400–$650 per visit Medium confidence Florida size table $400–600; Brevard public bid $0.20–$1.10/gal (≈$200–$1,650) - ### New grease interceptor installed (750–1,500 gal) $4,000–$8,500 installed High confidence City of Tampa Grease Ordinance FAQ What changes the price - Trap or interceptor size - How full it is and how long since the last pump - Hose run and access from the truck - Disposal fees and after-hours timing [Estimate your annual cost](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/tools/grease-trap-cost-estimator/) Request a quote Two quick steps. We call you back with a price range and the rule that applies to your address. Faster by phone: [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) Compare ## DIY vs the cheapest hauler vs doing it properly Do it yourself Cheapest hauler Done properly What's legal Small indoor traps only, with a written protocol (Tampa) or under 50 lb capacity (Hillsborough County) Pump-and-return is banned statewide, but still happens Full pump-out to empty, as Florida law and every local program require What gets removed Floating grease you can scoop Often just the top layer and some water Floating grease, gray water, bottom solids, and buildup scraped off walls and baffles Paperwork Your own log entry A receipt, sometimes Signed manifest with volume, condition and disposal ticket number Checked against the rule Rarely measured Not measured Grease and solids depth measured against your jurisdiction's limit Problems spotted Only what you can see Usually not reported Cracked baffles, missing tees and flow-control issues noted in writing Real cost Staff time; risk of a failed inspection Low price, then repeat clogs and re-inspection fees A known price per visit on the schedule your rule sets Service areas ## Grease trap service across Tampa Bay Each city and county runs its own grease program. Each area page explains the rule that applies there. [All service areas](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/service-areas/) - [![Grease interceptor pump-out in a narrow alley behind downtown St. Petersburg restaurants](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/grease-interceptor-pumping-behind-downtown-st-petersburg-restaurant-card-640.webp) St. Petersburg Pinellas County Local rules](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/service-areas/st-petersburg/) - [![Grease interceptor pump-out behind a beach restaurant near Clearwater Beach](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/grease-trap-service-at-clearwater-beach-restaurant-card-640.webp) Clearwater Pinellas County Local rules](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/service-areas/clearwater/) - [![Grease interceptor pump-out in a large suburban shopping plaza parking lot in Brandon, Florida](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/grease-interceptor-pumping-brandon-shopping-plaza-card-640.webp) Brandon Hillsborough County Local rules](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/service-areas/brandon/) - [![Grease interceptor pump-out at an older strip plaza in Largo, Florida](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/grease-trap-pumping-largo-strip-plaza-ulmerton-road-card-640.webp) Largo Pinellas County Local rules](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/service-areas/largo/) - [![Grease interceptor pump-out at a Palm Harbor plaza shaded by live oaks](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/images/grease-trap-pumping-palm-harbor-plaza-under-live-oaks-card-640.webp) Palm Harbor Pinellas County Local rules](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/service-areas/palm-harbor/) FAQ ## Grease trap questions from Tampa kitchens ### How much does grease trap cleaning cost in Tampa? Typical 2026 ranges are $150–$350 per cleaning for an indoor under-sink trap and $300–$650 per pump-out for an outdoor interceptor up to 1,500 gallons. Larger interceptors run $500–$1,200. Ask for a written quote before work starts. See the [Tampa cost guide](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/guide/grease-trap-cleaning-cost-tampa/) for sources. ### How often does a grease trap have to be pumped in Tampa? Inside Tampa city limits there is no fixed number of days. An interceptor must be pumped before grease and solids pass 25% of its capacity, before settled solids reach the outlet pipe (about 8 inches), or after any backup. Indoor traps must be opened and cleaned at least weekly. Unincorporated Hillsborough County is different: at least every 90 days. ### What is the difference between a grease trap and a grease interceptor? In the City of Tampa's definitions, a grease trap sits inside the building and is rated at 50 gallons per minute or less. An interceptor is an outdoor, in-ground tank rated above 50 gpm or holding 750 gallons or more. Traps are cleaned weekly; interceptors are pumped by a registered hauler on a condition-based schedule. ### What happens if I get a grease Notice of Violation in Tampa? The City gives 24 hours to clean a grease trap and 72 hours to pump an interceptor for a missed pumping frequency. Repairs get 30 days for a trap and 60 for an interceptor. A passed re-inspection is free; a failed one is billed at $61 per hour of inspector time. Call the moment the notice arrives. ### Can a hauler pump the grease and put the water back to save money? No. Since July 2022, Florida law (F.S. 403.0741) has barred haulers from returning grease waste or gray water to a trap or interceptor. Tampa's ordinance also defines a pump-out as complete removal of grease, gray water and bottom solids, with the walls and baffles scraped. ### What records do I need to keep? In the City of Tampa, a maintenance logbook kept for one year, plus every hauler receipt. Florida law separately requires you to keep each signed hauler manifest for one year. Pinellas County, Pasco County and Temple Terrace ask for three years, so keep everything for three if you run kitchens in more than one jurisdiction. Grease trap due, or already backing up? Call now. Call any time. If we can't pick up, leave a message and you'll get a call back. [(727) 476-9241](tel:+17274769241) [Request a quote](https://greasetrapcleaningtampa.com/contact/)