Grease Trap Cleaning Tampa pumps to Pinellas County Utilities' grease rules (County Code Chapter 126, Article VI). Interceptors must be pumped empty at least every 30 days, with grease kept under 6 inches and solids under 8 inches. Traps are cleaned weekly, and records stay on site for three years. Variances can never exceed 180 days.
Who the rules cover
Article VI applies to food service establishments that discharge to a wastewater facility operated by Pinellas County Utilities. In practice that’s mostly unincorporated Pinellas, such as Palm Harbor. St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Largo run their own programs. Covered establishments need an annual food service establishment permit from the County (Sec. 126-606).
Connections and design
Every grease-producing fixture must connect to an interceptor or trap (Sec. 126-611). Existing establishments without one must install one. New or upgraded designs must meet the Florida Building Code (Sec. 126-612).
Interceptor maintenance (Sec. 126-613)
- Pumped only by a hauler permitted by Pinellas County.
- Pumped empty. No decanting, skimming or backwashing.
- At least once every 30 days unless the County approves a variance. The County can also require more frequent pumping.
- Pumped often enough to keep the grease layer under 6 inches and the solids layer under 8 inches, measured next to the outlet.
- Grease traps and grease removal devices cleaned at least weekly and logged in a bound logbook.
Variances
A variance can lengthen the interval, but never beyond 180 days. It’s voided if its schedule isn’t followed, after which the 30-day rule applies again. It also can’t be transferred, so a new owner starts at 30 days. The County’s process includes a pump-out frequency evaluation. Call the Grease Management Program at (727) 582-2379 before your first pump-out to begin it.
Records (Sec. 126-619)
Every pumping event is verified with a signed grease waste service record, and cleaning and service records stay on site for three years. Florida’s statewide one-year manifest rule is the minimum. Pinellas asks for three.
What a 30-day rule costs
At 12–13 visits a year, a 1,000–1,500 gallon interceptor at $400–$650 per visit runs about $4,800–$7,800 a year at the minimum 12 visits. See the interceptor pumping cost guide and Palm Harbor.
Bottom line
On Pinellas County Utilities sewer: pump every 30 days or less, keep grease under 6 in and solids under 8 in, use a county-permitted hauler, and keep three years of records. For a schedule that meets it, call (727) 476-9241.