The drain service of Pure Mechanical GroupMetro Vancouver + Fraser Valley
No. 13 · Metro Vancouver + Fraser Valley

Grease trap cleaning: what it involves and what it costs

Commercial kitchens need a grease trap to keep fats and oils out of the sewer. It has to be emptied regularly or the kitchen drains back up.

Typical cost$389–$1,489
How it starts$269 on-site estimate
If you go aheadThe $269 comes off the price
A vacuum hose emptying a grease trap beneath a commercial sink
Fig. 13: Vacuuming out the trap. Red marks the baffles.

What grease trap cleaning typically costs

Under-sink trap$389–$589Emptied, cleaned and put back in service.
In-ground interceptor$789–$1,489Depends on its size and how full it is.

Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.

What changes the price

Trap sizeA larger trap holds more to remove and dispose of.
How full it isA trap left too long sets hard and takes longer to clean.
ScheduleRegular service on a set schedule costs less per visit than an emergency call.
Time of dayRegular hours are 9 to 5, Monday to Friday. Outside those hours, every price is double.

Time to call if

  • Kitchen sinks are draining slowly
  • There is a strong smell around the trap
  • An inspection or service record is due

Call 1-800-604-0631, any hour.

What the job involves

  1. Open the trap and measure how full it is.
  2. Remove the grease cap and the solids from the bottom.
  3. Scrape the baffles and walls and check the flow control and gaskets.
  4. Reassemble, test for leaks and leave you a dated service record for the inspector.
Time on site
Usually about an hour for an under-sink trap

How pricing works for this job

There is no one price for grease trap cleaning, because the factors above change it from one home to the next. It starts with an on-site estimate for $269. A Pure Mechanical Group plumber looks at the job and gives you a price in writing, good for 30 days. Approve it and the $269 comes off the price. If you do not go ahead, the fee covers the visit. Anything found once work has started is priced and approved before it is done.

Questions people ask

How much does grease trap cleaning cost in Metro Vancouver?

Under-sink trap: $389–$589. In-ground interceptor: $789–$1,489. Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.

How often does a grease trap need cleaning?

When it is about a quarter full of grease and solids. For a busy kitchen that can be every few weeks. Your municipality sets a minimum, and inspectors ask for the records.

What happens if it is left too long?

Grease passes through into the drain line and the sewer. That means blocked drains in the kitchen, and fines if the municipality traces it back.

Do you provide service records?

Yes. Every visit is dated and recorded, which is what a health or municipal inspector asks to see.

Is the estimate free?

No. A Pure Mechanical Group plumber comes out, looks at the job and gives you a written estimate. Approve it and the $269 comes off the price. If you do not go ahead, the fee covers the visit.

What if you find something unexpected once work starts?

The estimate is based on what can be seen. Anything found once a wall, floor or the ground is open is shown to you, priced and approved before it is done.