Grease Trap Cleaning Tampa uses the City of Tampa's definitions. A grease trap is a small unit inside the building, rated at 50 gallons per minute or less, cleaned at least weekly. A grease interceptor is an outdoor, in-ground tank rated above 50 gpm or holding 750 gallons or more, pumped by a registered hauler on a longer schedule.
Side by side
| Grease trap | Grease interceptor | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Inside: under a sink or in the floor | Outside: in-ground, under manhole covers |
| Size (Tampa definition) | Rated at 50 gpm or less | Rated above 50 gpm or 750+ gallons |
| Typical capacity | Up to about 100 gallons | 750–2,500+ gallons |
| Cleaning frequency | At least weekly in most programs | 30 days to condition-based, by jurisdiction |
| Who may clean it | Staff (within limits) or a hauler | Registered hauler only |
| Typical cost per service | $150–$350 (low confidence) | $300–$1,200 by size (medium) |
| Installed cost (City of Tampa) | $250–$1,500 for 0–100 gal | $4,000–$8,500 for 750–1,500 gal |
How they work
Both do the same job. They slow wastewater down so grease floats and solids sink, and the clearer water in between leaves through the outlet. Hillsborough County describes traps as generally ranging from 5 to 50 gallons per minute, and interceptors as concrete tanks, accessible through two manhole covers, that catch grease before it reaches the sewer main.
Why the difference matters
- Schedule. Indoor traps fill in days and are cleaned weekly in the City of Tampa, Temple Terrace, Pinellas County and St. Petersburg. Interceptors run on 30-day, 90-day or condition-based rules.
- Who does the work. In Tampa, staff may clean a trap under a written protocol. Interceptors must be pumped by a City-registered hauler. Hillsborough County allows self-cleaning only for traps under 50 pounds of grease capacity.
- Cost. A trap is cheap per visit but frequent. An interceptor costs more per visit but is pumped less often.
Which one does the code require?
Sizing and type are set by the Florida Building Code – Plumbing, based on your fixtures and flow. The City of Tampa publishes a sizing calculator, and Hillsborough County directs owners to a licensed commercial plumber. See grease trap installation. For service, see indoor grease trap cleaning or grease interceptor pumping.
Bottom line
Inside under a sink or in the floor: a trap, cleaned weekly. Outside under manhole covers: an interceptor, pumped by a registered hauler. Each has its own rules and costs. Not sure which you have? Call (727) 476-9241.