Running a coffee shop is more than great espresso and a cozy vibe. Behind the counter, your plumbing and drains need smart care, too. One of the biggest questions café owners ask is: do I need a grease trap for a coffee shop?
The short answer: yes, most coffee shops are required to have a grease trap or interceptor. Even if you don’t fry food, daily café work still produces fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that can damage plumbing and break health rules.
In this guide, you’ll see why grease traps matter, what the law says, what happens if you skip them, and how to choose the right setup. When you’re ready, you can book a free inspection with our team to get your café set up the right way.
What Is a Grease Trap?
A grease trap (also called a grease interceptor) is a plumbing device that captures fats, oils, and grease before they enter your main sewer line.
- Wastewater from sinks and dishwashers flows into the trap.
- Grease and oils float to the top; solids settle at the bottom.
- Cleaner water exits to the sewer system.
Without a trap, FOG builds up, causing clogs and backups. For an overview of how these systems fit into service, see our grease trap service page.
Why Would a Coffee Shop Need a Grease Trap?
At first, a café doesn’t seem “greasy.” But daily operations still create FOG:
- Milk and cream: dairy fats solidify in cooler pipes.
- Coffee oils: beans and espresso naturally release oils.
- Food items: pastries, breakfast sandwiches, butter, cheese.
- Dishwashing: plates, cups, and utensils carry residual oils.
Mix all that together, and you’ve got real clog risk. That’s why most local codes require cafés to install and maintain a grease trap.
What Do the Regulations Say?
Rules vary by city and county, but almost all U.S. municipalities have FOG (fats, oils, grease) control policies for food and beverage businesses. Coffee shops, bakeries, and cafés are usually included—yes, even without fryers.
Official resources to check:
- EPA Pretreatment Program (FOG control overview)
- San Diego County Department of Environmental Health (local food facility guidance and inspections)
If you’re opening or remodeling, your plumber and plan reviewer will confirm whether a trap or interceptor is required and what size you need. You can also explore our commercial plumbing services to see how we help cafés get compliant quickly.
What Happens If You Skip the Grease Trap?
- Clogged pipes – Milk fats and coffee oils solidify, causing slow drains and backups. Learn why it snowballs in our blog on the dangers of ignoring slow drains.
- Health code violations – Failed inspections, fines, even temporary shutdowns.
- Expensive fixes – You may need commercial drain cleaning, plumbing repairs, or pipelining/repiping.
- Liability – Municipalities can bill your business if your FOG discharge harms public sewers.
- Bad customer experience – Odors and drains backing up during the morning rush can tank your reputation.
Types of Grease Traps for Coffee Shops
1) Small Indoor Grease Traps
Compact units installed under sinks. Good for smaller cafés with limited space and modest flow.
2) Larger Outdoor Interceptors
Buried outside, sized for higher volumes. Often required by code for food and beverage businesses with greater flow.
3) Automatic Grease Removal Units (AGRUs)
Systems that skim and store grease automatically. Higher upfront cost, lower ongoing labor.
Not sure which you need? We’ll size and spec it for you. Start with a free inspection.
How to Maintain a Grease Trap
Having a trap is only half the battle. Regular maintenance keeps it working and keeps you compliant.
- Cleaning frequency: Typically every 1–3 months, depending on volume and requirements.
- Inspections: Routine camera line inspections catch issues early (like excessive solids or damaged baffles).
- Service records: Keep pump-out logs for health inspectors.
Want predictable care at a predictable price? The Solid Care Plan (just $144/year) can bundle essential maintenance reminders and priority scheduling so you never miss a cleaning.
Signs Your Coffee Shop’s Grease Trap Needs Attention
- Strong, sour odors near sinks or floor drains
- Slow-draining or gurgling sinks
- Visible grease in fixtures or cleanouts
- Inspector warnings or prior violations
If you notice these, call for plumbing repair or commercial drain cleaning before a minor issue becomes a shutdown.
Cost of Installing a Grease Trap
Pricing depends on size, location, and permitting. Typical ranges:
- Small indoor trap: ~$250–$1,500
- Outdoor interceptor: ~$2,500–$15,000+
- Automatic removal units: ~$5,000–$20,000
You may also need excavation or permit support. Planning ahead almost always beats emergency work—see: Preventative Maintenance vs. Emergency Repairs.
Common Compliance Extras Café Owners Forget
- Correct sizing: Undersized traps overflow fast; oversizing without reason can waste money. We’ll size it to your actual flow.
- Solids interceptors: Some jurisdictions want a solids interceptor upstream from the grease trap.
- Backflow devices: Many commercial kitchens require backflow prevention to protect potable water lines.
- Records & logs: Keep cleaning and maintenance documentation ready for inspectors.
Simple Best Practices for Baristas and Staff
- Scrape food solids into the trash before washing.
- Pour cooled oils and dairy-heavy waste into a proper container, not the sink.
- Use sink strainers and clean them often.
- Train new hires on what can and cannot go down drains.
- Schedule routine cleanings and stick to them.
We tested a bunch of at-home “hacks” so you don’t have to—see what actually works (and what doesn’t) in this drain cleaning test.
FAQ: Do I Need a Grease Trap for a Coffee Shop?
My café only sells drinks and pastries. Do I still need one?
Most likely yes. Milk fats, butter, cheese, and coffee oils all count as FOG. Many codes require traps for cafés, bakeries, and coffee bars. When in doubt, check with your local health department or ask us during a free inspection.
Can I use drain chemicals instead of a trap?
No. Chemicals may temporarily clear a clog, but they don’t stop FOG from building up again. See our test of popular drain cleaning hacks for real-world results.
How often should a coffee shop grease trap be cleaned?
Typically every 1–3 months, depending on volume and local rules. Keep pump-out logs. For predictable reminders and priority scheduling, consider the Solid Care Plan.
What happens if I ignore maintenance?
Clogs, odors, health code violations, and costly downtime. If you’re already seeing issues, schedule commercial drain cleaning or repairs.
Who should install my grease trap?
Always hire a licensed plumber who understands local code and sizing. Explore our services or book a free inspection to get your plan started.
Next Steps for Café Owners
So, do I need a grease trap for a coffee shop? Yes—almost always. Even without fryers, daily café work creates FOG. A properly sized and maintained trap protects your drains, keeps inspectors happy, and prevents expensive emergencies.
Ready to make it simple? We’ll confirm requirements, recommend the right system, handle installation, and set up a cleaning schedule that fits your hours.
Book your free inspection now and keep your coffee shop flowing smoothly.
