Kitchen Grease Trap Cleaning & Maintenance Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Grease trap maintenance is mandated by local pretreatment ordinances and state health department codes to prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering municipal sewer systems. The FDA Food Code 2022 and OSHA General Duty Clause require food service operators to maintain equipment in sanitary condition and safe working order, including grease interceptors. Failure to maintain grease traps on schedule can result in sewer backups, health code violations, fines, and facility closure.

Industry: Restaurant
Frequency: Monthly
Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
Role: Kitchen Manager
Total Items: 34
Compliance: FDA Food Code 2022 Section 4-501.11, OSHA General Duty Clause 29 USC 654(a)(1), State Health Department FOG Pretreatment Ordinance, EPA 40 CFR Part 403 - General Pretreatment Regulations, IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code Section 1014

Pre-Inspection Documentation & Records

Verify that all required maintenance logs and permits are current before beginning physical inspection.

Is the grease trap maintenance log available and up to date?
Has the grease trap been serviced within the required interval (per local ordinance)?
Are waste manifests from the licensed hauler retained on site?
Is the facility's FOG discharge permit current and posted?
Has staff received training on proper grease disposal procedures?

Grease Trap Exterior Condition

Inspect the external components of the grease trap for damage, leaks, and accessibility.

Is the grease trap lid/cover intact, properly seated, and free of cracks?
Is the area surrounding the grease trap free of standing water or grease spillage?
Are all external pipes and connections free of visible leaks or corrosion?
Is the grease trap location accessible for servicing without obstruction?
Photo of exterior condition taken?

FOG & Solids Level Measurement

Measure current grease, scum, and solids accumulation to determine if pumping is required.

What is the current FOG layer depth (inches)?
What is the current solids/sludge layer depth (inches)?
Does the combined FOG and solids level exceed 25% of the trap's working capacity?
Is pumping scheduled or completed during this inspection?
Photo of FOG level measurement documented?

Internal Components & Baffles

Inspect internal grease trap baffles, flow restrictors, and interior surfaces for damage or buildup.

Are inlet and outlet baffles present, undamaged, and securely positioned?
Is the flow restrictor/inlet device free of blockage or corrosion?
Are the interior walls and base of the trap free of significant hardened grease buildup?
Is the outlet pipe free from visible grease accumulation or blockage?
Photo of internal components after inspection/cleaning taken?

Cleaning Procedure Compliance

Confirm that cleaning was performed to regulatory standards using approved methods and products.

Was the grease trap cleaned using a wet vacuum or pump-out method (no dilution flushing)?
Were enzyme or bacterial additives avoided during cleaning (unless explicitly permitted)?
Was the trap refilled with clean water to the operating level after pumping?
Was all waste transported by a licensed FOG hauler with a valid manifest issued?
Were appropriate PPE items (gloves, goggles, respirator) worn during cleaning?

Post-Cleaning Drainage & Flow Test

Verify that drains flow correctly and the grease trap is functioning as intended after maintenance.

Do all connected drains flow freely without gurgling or slow drainage after cleaning?
Is there no evidence of sewer gas odor in the kitchen after the trap is resealed?
Is the flow rate from connected fixtures within normal operating parameters?
Is the trap cover properly reinstalled and secured after inspection?

Corrective Actions & Sign-Off

Document any deficiencies found, corrective actions taken or planned, and obtain authorized sign-off.

Were any deficiencies identified during this inspection?
Describe all deficiencies found and corrective actions taken or scheduled?
Has the next scheduled maintenance date been recorded in the log?
Has the maintenance log been updated and signed by the inspector?
Additional notes or observations?

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Why Use This Kitchen Grease Trap Cleaning & Maintenance Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This kitchen grease trap cleaning & maintenance inspection checklist [free pdf] helps restaurant teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for kitchen manager professionals, this checklist covers 34 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with FDA Food Code 2022 Section 4-501.11, OSHA General Duty Clause 29 USC 654(a)(1), State Health Department FOG Pretreatment Ordinance, EPA 40 CFR Part 403 - General Pretreatment Regulations, IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code Section 1014. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Kitchen Grease Trap Cleaning & Maintenance Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 34 inspection items across 7 sections: Pre-Inspection Documentation & Records, Grease Trap Exterior Condition, FOG & Solids Level Measurement, Internal Components & Baffles, Cleaning Procedure Compliance, Post-Cleaning Drainage & Flow Test, Corrective Actions & Sign-Off. It is designed for restaurant operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Kitchen Grease Trap Cleaning & Maintenance Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Kitchen Manager professionals in the restaurant industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.