Grease Trap Cleaning in San Francisco: What Restaurants Need to Know
May 21, 2025
If you run a commercial kitchen in San Francisco, proper grease trap maintenance isn’t just a best practice—it’s the law. San Francisco restaurants are held to some of the strictest FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) compliance standards in California. Failing to maintain your grease trap can lead to hefty fines, clogged pipes, health violations, and even temporary closures.
At North Bay Restaurant Services, we specialize in commercial grease trap cleaning that keeps your kitchen compliant, your plumbing clear, and your operations uninterrupted.
Why Grease Trap Cleaning Is Critical in San Francisco
San Francisco’s Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) closely monitors FOG levels in wastewater to protect the city’s aging sewer infrastructure. That means:
- Your grease trap must be properly sized and regularly cleaned
- Maintenance must be documented and available for inspection
- Overflowing traps or improper disposal can result in citations or even shutdowns
- Traps must contain no more than 25% FOG and solids combined at the time of service
Restaurants, cafes, commercial kitchens, and food trucks are all subject to these regulations.
How Often Should You Clean Your Grease Trap in SF?
The SFPUC recommends cleaning your grease trap at least every 30 to 90 days, depending on:
- The size of your trap
- Your kitchen’s grease output
- Your establishment’s compliance history
However, one health inspector we spoke to from the SFPUC noted that most restaurants she encounters that are fully compliant have their traps serviced weekly. This frequency helps ensure the trap never exceeds the 25% limit on fats, oils, grease, and solids.
What Makes North Bay Restaurant Services Different?
We provide:
- Reliable scheduling so you never fall behind
- Detailed service logs that meet SFPUC inspection requirements
- Emergency services for backup or overflow situations
- Compliance reporting tailored to San Francisco city codes
Plus, our new customer service app makes compliance and maintenance easier than ever. With the app, you can:
- View detailed follow-up reports with before-and-after photos
- Access real-time FOG level readings so you know whether you’re within your jurisdiction’s limits
- Receive actionable recommendations like hydrojetting, trap repairs, or more frequent service if needed
- Store and download records for inspections anytime, from anywhere
What to Expect From Our Service
When you work with North Bay Restaurant Services, you can expect:
- A full pump-out of your trap/interceptor
- Visual inspection for damage or buildup
- Proper documentation of waste disposal
- Courtesy reminders when your next service is due
- Access to reports and service history via our easy-to-use app
Need Grease Trap Cleaning in San Francisco?
Whether you’re a new restaurant navigating the regulations or a seasoned business looking for more reliable service, we’re here to help. Get a free quote today and stay on top of your compliance.
Call us or request service online now.
Contact North Bay Restaurant Services today to get a free estimate or schedule your next hood cleaning:
📞 (707) 824-9737
🌐 www.northbayrestaurantservices.com
Related Services We Offer:
- Used Cooking Oil Recycling
- Hood Cleaning & Certification
- Kitchen Floor & Dumpster Area Cleaning
- Hydrojetting for Blocked Drains
Written by Brittney Bailey
Director, North Bay Restaurant Services
Since 2016, Brittney has led the administrative and customer service operations at North Bay Restaurant Services, supporting thousands of commercial kitchens across the Bay Area. She specializes in coordinating service for high-volume restaurants, hotels, and fine dining establishments—where timing, cleanliness, and compliance are non-negotiable. Brittney prides herself on delivering concierge-level customer service in an industry not known for it, bringing Michelin-level attention and professionalism to every account.
