Grease Trap Cleaning

Keep your commercial kitchen running without blockages or downtime

Slow drains, bad smells, and unexpected backups in the kitchen are often caused by grease building up where you can’t see it.

Our grease trap cleaning service removes built-up fats, oils, and grease before they cause serious problems, keeping your drains clear, your kitchen compliant, and your operations running without interruption.

We service the South Taranaki and Stratford region, delivering thorough, no-mess grease trap cleaning near you whenever you need it.

Book your service today and prevent the chaos of an unexpected backup.

A complete solution for grease build-up and blockages

Our grease trap cleaning service combines high-pressure cleaning with a full system inspection.

This includes:

  • Full pump-out of grease, fats, oils, and sludge that causes blockages before they reach your main line

  • Thorough internal cleaning, using high pressure water jetting to remove build-up

  • Inspection for blockages or other potential issues using

  • Safe waste disposal and complete clean up of the area

Signs your grease trap needs a clean

If you notice any of the following, your grease trap may be due for a clean. Addressing these signs now prevents costly emergency callouts later.

  • Persistent bad smells in kitchen or around the trap area, even after a deep clean

  • Multiple sinks draining slowly or backing up

  • Grease trap overflowing or near capacity

  • Thick sludge or grease build-up visible around lids or outlets

  • Frequent ‘mystery’ blockages

Still unsure? We can assess the situation on-site to make sure a grease trap clean is what you need.

How we clean grease traps

1. Access, inspect, and assess

We locate and open your grease trap, checking grease levels, condition, and any signs of overflow or poor performance. This helps us identify what the issues are before cleaning begins.

2. Pump out and clean the system

Using our specialised vacuum equipment, we fully pump out all grease, fats, oils, and sludge. We then thoroughly clean the interior, using high-pressure water jetting where needed to remove stubborn build-up and restore proper function.

3. Final check and clean-up

Once cleaned, we inspect the trap to ensure it’s operating correctly, then safely dispose of waste and leave the area clean and tidy with everything flowing as it should.

Prevent issues before they start and stay compliant

Grease and fat from the kitchen are major contributors to blockages in commercial sewer lines. If you don’t manage grease properly, it can lead to blocked wastewater lines, council compliance issues, and failed health inspections.

Routine servicing keeps your grease trap working as it should, protects your business’s reputation, and helps you avoid costly emergency callouts.

Give us a call at 021387505 to schedule your next clean.

No mess left behind

Grease trap cleaning can be an inherently messy job, but it shouldn’t impact the cleanliness of your kitchen.

We’ll leave your site exactly as we found it so your team can get back to work in a hygienic environment.

What People Are Saying

Very professional service. Prompt attention and kept me informed of the time that they would attend. Will definitely use again.

— John

Very Professional, very good advice & very quick service. Would definitely use Septicworks again. Couldn't recommend them enough.

— Mark

Thank you Thomas and team for providing a fast, friendly, and professional service. This company goes that extra mile to achieve customer satisfaction. I would highly recommend this company to anyone that needs quality service. Extra shout out to Mike who is a top man and awesome to deal with.

— Stephen

Answering your questions about grease trap cleaning

  • Grease traps require full pump-outs and thorough cleaning which involves completely removing all fats, oils, grease, and sludge, then washing down the trap and checking it for any issues. A quick rinse or chemical treatment usually isn’t enough to maintain a healthy system.

  • Most commercial kitchen grease traps need cleaning every one to three months. High-use kitchens may require more frequent cleaning to prevent build-up and avoid costly problems.

  • Our grease trap cleaning starts from $175 for standard commercial grease traps. This includes a full pump-out, thorough clean, and responsible waste disposal.

    Final pricing may depend on the size of the trap, level of build-up, and site access. We’ll always confirm pricing upfront so there are no surprises.

    A call out fee may also apply for after hours, weekends and public holidays.

    Learn more about pricing

  • While grease traps are more common in commercial kitchens, some rural homes and septic tank systems also use them to help stop fats, oils, and grease from entering the wastewater system.

    If your property has a grease trap, regular cleaning can help prevent blocked drains, bad smells, and unnecessary strain on your septic system.

  • Build-up in grease traps is caused by fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from cooking, dishwashing, and food prep entering the system. Over time, these substances cool and solidify inside the trap, along with food scraps and debris. Without regular cleaning, this layer thickens and reduces the trap’s ability to work properly.

    Get in touch today to make sure your grease trap system stays clean and efficient.