Grease Trap Cleaning Hermanus | Commercial Kitchen Maintenance

About Grease Trap Cleaning in Hermanus

Grease traps are mandatory for commercial kitchens in South Africa, required by municipal bylaws to prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the public sewer system. A properly maintained grease trap intercepts FOG before it reaches the drains, but it must be cleaned regularly to function correctly. A neglected grease trap fills up, overflows, and allows grease to pass through into the sewer - leading to drain blockages, foul odours, health code violations, and potential municipal fines.

Abacas Solution provides scheduled grease trap cleaning for restaurants, hotels, takeaway shops, bakeries, butcheries, food processing facilities, and any commercial kitchen in the Western Cape. We pump out accumulated grease, scrub the trap interior, inspect baffles and inlet/outlet pipes, and dispose of waste at licensed facilities in compliance with local waste management regulations.

The frequency of cleaning depends on your kitchen's output. High-volume restaurants typically need monthly cleaning, while smaller food businesses may manage with quarterly service. We set up a maintenance schedule tailored to your operation and provide cleaning certificates for your records. Regular grease trap maintenance is not just about compliance - it prevents emergency drain blockages that can shut your kitchen down during peak service hours.

This is one of several specialist services we offer under drains & sewage in Hermanus. As part of our Hermanus plumbing team, we bring over 25 years of hands-on experience to every job.

Grease Trap Cleaning in Hermanus - Abacas Solution

When to Call for Grease Trap Cleaning

Call when your grease trap is due for scheduled cleaning, when you notice grease or foul smells around the trap area, when drains in your commercial kitchen are running slowly, when you are setting up a new food business and need grease trap installation advice, or when you need cleaning certificates for a municipal inspection.

Our Grease Trap Cleaning Process

1

Schedule & Access

We arrange a cleaning time that suits your kitchen operations - typically during off-peak hours to minimise disruption. Our team arrives with vacuum pumping equipment and all necessary tools.

2

Pump Out & Clean

We pump out all accumulated grease, oils, and food solids from the trap. The interior walls, baffles, and inlet/outlet pipes are thoroughly scraped and cleaned to remove all residual buildup.

3

Inspection & Repair Check

We inspect the grease trap structure, baffles, and seals for damage or wear. Cracked baffles, corroded fittings, or deteriorated seals are flagged and can be repaired or replaced to maintain trap efficiency.

4

Disposal & Certificate

Waste is transported to a licensed disposal facility in compliance with municipal waste regulations. You receive a cleaning certificate with the date, volume removed, and condition assessment for your compliance records.

Many homeowners in Hermanus who need grease trap cleaning also require blocked drains in Hermanus and drain cleaning & jetting. We handle everything, so you only need one call.

Safety & Compliance

Grease trap waste is classified as controlled waste under South African environmental regulations. It must be transported by registered waste carriers and disposed of at licensed facilities. Improper disposal (e.g., dumping in stormwater drains or open land) is a criminal offence. We maintain all required waste transport documentation and disposal certificates. Kitchen staff should never attempt to clean a large grease trap without proper equipment due to confined space and gas inhalation risks.

Grease Trap Cleaning Cost in Hermanus

Grease trap cleaning costs depend on the trap size and cleaning frequency. Small grease traps (up to 500 litres) cost R600-R1,200 per clean. Medium traps (500-2,000 litres) range from R1,200-R2,500. Large traps (2,000+ litres) cost R2,500-R5,000. Scheduled maintenance contracts with monthly or quarterly cleaning offer 15-20% savings over ad-hoc callouts. Disposal fees are included in our pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a grease trap be cleaned?

Cleaning frequency depends on your kitchen's output. High-volume restaurants with deep fryers and heavy cooking should have their grease trap cleaned monthly. Medium-volume kitchens every 6-8 weeks. Smaller food businesses every 2-3 months. The general rule is to clean when the trap is 25% full of grease. We can assess your operation and recommend the right schedule.

Is a grease trap legally required in Hermanus?

Yes. Municipal bylaws in the Western Cape require all commercial food preparation premises to install and maintain a grease trap that meets SANS 10252 standards. Failure to maintain a functioning grease trap can result in fines, closure orders, and liability for sewer damage. We provide cleaning certificates that demonstrate compliance during municipal inspections.

How much does grease trap cleaning cost in Hermanus?

Grease trap cleaning in Hermanus costs R600-R1,200 for small traps, R1,200-R2,500 for medium traps, and R2,500-R5,000 for large installations. These prices include pumping, cleaning, disposal at a licensed facility, and a compliance certificate. Scheduled maintenance contracts offer 15-20% savings compared to once-off callouts.

What happens if I do not clean my grease trap?

A full or neglected grease trap stops functioning - grease passes through into the sewer pipes, causing blockages, foul smells in the kitchen, potential sewage backups, and pest attraction. You also risk municipal fines for non-compliance with wastewater regulations. In severe cases, grease contamination of the public sewer can result in the municipality billing your business for clean-up costs.