Grease trap pumping
Indoor and under-sink traps: full pump-out, scraping, and a check of the trap.
Grease interceptor cleaning for large outdoor interceptors
Outdoor, in-ground grease interceptors serve high-volume kitchens such as large restaurants, casino resorts, hotels, schools, and hospitals. They need a vacuum truck, a full evacuation, and good records.
What counts as a grease interceptor?
"Grease trap" and "grease interceptor" are often used interchangeably, but interceptors are the larger units. Hancock County's FOG ordinance describes two types:
- Gravity grease interceptors: identified by volume, a 30-minute retention time, baffles, at least two compartments, and a minimum total volume of 300 gallons. They are designed by a registered professional engineer and are generally installed outside.
- Hydromechanical grease interceptors: identified by flow rate, using interior baffling and air entrainment to separate grease. These are often smaller units installed closer to the fixtures.
Sources: Hancock County Utility Authority FOG Ordinance, Section II definitions (PDF)
How interceptor service works
- A vacuum truck parks near the interceptor and pumps out all of it: the grease cap, the water, and the settled solids. Hancock County's ordinance requires interceptors to be fully evacuated when cleaned, and HCUA's definition of "clean" includes scraping or high-pressure cleaning and re-pumping.
- The technician checks baffles, tees, and lids for damage or missing parts.
- You receive a manifest or service record showing the volume removed and the disposal site. In HCUA's area, the HCUA manifest must be signed before the load leaves your site.
Plan for access
- Find every lid. Multi-compartment interceptors often have several lids. If any are paved over, buried, or under landscaping, tell providers in your request.
- Truck space. Keep a parking area near the interceptor clear on service day, and schedule outside your busiest hours.
- Hose distance. Note on the form if the truck can't get close, because a longer hose run can change the quote.
How often?
Interceptors hold more than indoor traps, but the same 25% guideline applies. In Harrison County (HCUA), 90 days without cleaning can lead to an ordered inspection. In Hancock County, the FOG ordinance sets a 30-day baseline, with a 90-day maximum even with an approved exception. See the HCUA requirements guide or your city page.
Sources: HCUA Grease Trap Regulations (PDF); Hancock County Utility Authority FOG Ordinance (PDF)
Related services and guides
Emergency & backed-up traps
Backups, overflows, slow drains, and grease odors, flagged as urgent.
HCUA requirements guide
Permits, the 90-day rule, haulers, and manifests in Harrison County.
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Request a free quoteDisclosure: Biloxi Grease Trap is a referral service, not a pumping company. Independent providers quote and perform all work and may compensate us for referrals.