Holiday Grease Trap Checklist for Miami & Broward Restaurants

From Thanksgiving (November 26) through New Year's Eve, South Florida restaurants cook more, fry more and wash more dishes than any other time of year. Every one of those meals sends fats, oils and grease (FOG) down the drain. Your grease trap fills faster, and if it overflows, you could face a backup, a failed inspection or a forced shutdown right when you need to be open.

Here's how to get your grease trap ready for the holiday rush.

Why Holidays Are Hard on Grease Traps

• Higher volume: more covers, catering orders and private events.
• Heavier menus: roasts, fried foods, gravies and holiday desserts produce more grease.
• Extra dishwashing: hot water can push melted grease past the trap, where it hardens in your lines.
• Less downtime: staff are stretched, so drain maintenance gets skipped.

Know the Rules: The 90-Day and 25% Guidelines

In Miami-Dade, grease interceptors are generally expected to be pumped at least every 90 days, or sooner when grease and solids reach 25% of the tank's depth, whichever comes first. Inspectors can measure the trap during a visit, and a failed check can bring fees and a short deadline to pump.

During the holidays, many kitchens hit 25% well before 90 days. If your last pump-out was in September, you may already be due by early December.

Your Holiday Grease Trap Checklist

• Schedule a pump-out before Thanksgiving. Start the busy season with an empty trap. Book grease trap cleaning early; December calendars fill fast.
• Plan a second service for late December if you run high volume or fried menus.
• Jet the lines. Hydro-jetting clears grease buildup between the kitchen and the trap. See our drain cleaning for restaurants guide.
• Check your records. Keep pump-out manifests on site and make sure your grease trap certification is current.
• Train staff. Scrape plates into the trash, never pour oil or gravy down the sink, and use strainers on every drain.
• Recycle used cooking oil in a proper container, never in the trap.
• Know your emergency number. Save On My Way Septic's 24/7 line before you need it.

Warning Signs Your Trap Needs Service Now

• Slow-draining sinks or floor drains
• Rotten or sour odors in the kitchen or near the trap lid
• Water backing up into floor drains
• Grease visible around the lid or in the parking lot
• Your last pump-out was more than 60 days ago and business has been strong

If you see any of these, call before your next big service. A clogged trap can also overload a lift station or your plumbing, turning a quick pump-out into a costly repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a restaurant pump its grease trap during the holidays?

At least once before Thanksgiving. High-volume kitchens often need a second service in late December.

What is the 25% rule?

When floating grease and settled solids reach 25% of the trap's liquid depth, it should be pumped, even if 90 days haven't passed.

Can you pump the trap after we close?

Yes. We schedule early-morning or after-hours service so your kitchen keeps running.

Do you provide the paperwork for inspections?

Yes. Every service includes the documentation you need for your records and city reporting.

Do you serve Broward restaurants?

Yes. We serve restaurants in Miami-Dade and Broward, including Miami, Hialeah, North Miami and Hollywood.

Book Your Pre-Holiday Pump-Out

Don't let a full grease trap shut down your kitchen during the busiest weeks of the year. On My Way Septic offers grease trap pumping, line jetting and 24/7 emergency service across South Florida. Contact us or call 786-252-4029 to reserve your date before the holiday rush.