Grease Trap vs Interceptor: System Differences, Usage & Service Needs

Running a restaurant or any business that handles food means taking care of grease before it takes over your kitchen!

When you run a restaurant regularly, you're dealing with frying, cooking, roasting, and all the leftovers that come with it on a daily basis. And that grease won't disappear on its own. It'll slowly settle in your drains, clog your lines, and also create problems you definitely don't want during the busy hours of your business. 

So, how can you avoid this? The answer is simple - by using a grease trap or a grease interceptor. They will keep the grease away from your plumbing and protect your drains. 

But what's the difference between a grease trap and a grease interceptor? 

And why do you need regular grease interceptor and grease trap service? 

Well, you'll get all the answers in this blog!

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Grease Trap vs. Grease Interceptor - What’s the Difference?

One of the things that you need to know about a grease trap and a grease interceptor is that their basic function is the same.

They stop fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering your plumbing system. But they’re not entirely the same. And the differences matter because they determine how often you need maintenance.

1. Grease Trap

A grease trap is the smaller unit that you’ll usually find under a sink or inside your kitchen area. It handles lower flow rates and works for smaller operations. A grease trap -

• Is usually installed indoors
• Holds less grease
• Fills up faster
• Needs frequent cleaning
• Can be cleaned faster

If you forget to clean them, you'll probably smell it before you see it. And yes - the smell won't go away on its own, and you'll have to opt for a grease trap cleaning service ASAP!

2. Grease Interceptor

A grease interceptor is a bigger outdoor system, and you’ll usually find them installed underground. It’s best for high-volume kitchens. And here’s why several people opt for a grease interceptor -

• Holds a lot more grease (500 to 5,000 gallons of wastewater)
• Slower to fill, but when it fills, it does so all at once 
• Needs scheduled service, but less frequently
• Best for commercial properties
• Can handle heavy daily grease flow without overwhelming the plumbing system

You can think of it like "the elder brother of grease traps."

Why Regular Maintenance of Grease Traps and Grease Interceptors Is Important

Ignoring grease traps or interceptors is one of the fastest ways to shut down your kitchen. And not in a fun “we’re taking a break” way. It's more like “the inspector walked in, saw the backup, and now we’re closed.”

Here’s why grease interceptor and regular grease trap service is a must!

1. Prevent Costly Backups

Grease builds up quickly. And when it reaches its limit, it pushes its way into your sink, your drains, and eventually your entire plumbing line. This can cause slow drains, standing water, bad smells, and emergency repairs (which are usually more costly).

2. Stay Compliant With Sacramento Regulations

Sacramento has strict rules for grease trap service and disposal. So, if you don’t clean your trap or interceptor regularly, you might have to pay fines, handle extra inspections, and even face forced closures. All this is bad news for your business!

3. Protect Your Plumbing System

Grease doesn’t mix with water. It cools, hardens, and clings to your pipes like glue. But when you clean the grease traps and grease interceptors regularly, you can prevent pipe corrosion, clogs, sewer line backups, and costly plumbing replacements.

4. Improve Health & Hygiene Standards

Grease buildup can affect your kitchen's overall hygiene. The more grease you have, the more it'll attract pests, cause bacterial growth, etc. But with regular service of grease traps and grease interceptors, you can maintain a cleaner, safer workspace and protect the health of your staff and customers.

5. Keep Your Kitchen Smelling Fresh

Nothing ruins a customer's appetite faster than an unexpected sewer-type smell coming out of the kitchen. When you opt for regular grease interceptor or grease trap cleaning services, you can ensure your kitchen and the entire place smells fresh at all times.

Maintenance Tips for Grease Traps and Grease Interceptors

Taking proper care of your kitchen's grease traps and grease interceptors means taking proper care of your business! And here's how you can ensure you’re doing everything to protect your business!

How to Maintain Your Grease Traps -

• Check the interceptor lid and seals to prevent leaks.
• Keep the area around the unit clear for easy access.
• Watch for unusually slow drainage as it’s an early warning sign.
• Schedule professional inspections to catch hidden issues.
• Opt for grease trap service at least once a month.

How to Maintain Your Grease Interceptors -

• Remove excess food scraps before washing dishes.
• Inspect the inlet and outlet tees to ensure wastewater flows correctly.
• Rinse with warm water after each cleaning session.
• Teach staff not to pour fryer oil down sinks.

Which Is Best for Your Kitchen in Terms of Maintenance?

Kitchen Type / Scenario	Best Option	Why It Works Best
Small cafes, coffee shops, food trucks	Grease Trap	Quick cleanings Easy access  No digging or outdoor setup
New restaurants with small teams	Grease Trap	Simple to monitor  Can take care of cleanings without interrupting operations.
Medium restaurants with steady service	Grease Trap (most cases)	Easy routine checks due to easier access Faster cleaning process
Large restaurants or hotels	Grease Interceptor	Needs heavy-duty maintenance Professional pumping is needed due to the size
Schools, hospitals, etc.	Grease Interceptor	Manages heavy daily grease flow without slowing your kitchen down. Requires the right tools and trained technicians to clean it properly.