Grease Trap Maintenance in Calgary — Scheduled, Documented, Done
The biggest grease trap problem Calgary kitchen operators face isn't a single backup — it's missing a service cycle and not having the records to prove it. GDM Vac builds a maintenance schedule around your kitchen's actual grease load, then we manage it. You don't have to track it.
Why Scheduled Maintenance Beats Reactive Cleaning Every Time
Most kitchen operators only call for grease trap service when something goes wrong — a backup, a smell, a failed inspection. By that point, you're already in a compliance violation or an emergency, and you're paying emergency rates to fix it. Scheduled maintenance eliminates that cycle entirely.
Bylaw compliance is automatic
Calgary's Wastewater Bylaw 14M2012 requires cleaning when your trap reaches 25% FOG capacity and documentation retained for two years. A maintenance schedule keeps you continuously compliant — no scrambling before inspections.
No surprise kitchen shutdowns
Grease trap backups happen during service, not during slow periods. Scheduled maintenance eliminates the conditions that cause backups before they become a mid-shift emergency.
Lower total cost over time
Emergency service costs significantly more than scheduled service. A single emergency call typically costs more than several months of scheduled maintenance.
Two-year record keeping included
Every scheduled service generates proper documentation. GDM Vac maintains your compliance file so you can produce records for City inspectors on demand.
Frequency adjusted to your usage
A high-volume deep fryer operation generates far more grease than a sandwich shop. We set your cleaning frequency based on your actual FOG load, not a generic calendar.
One less thing to manage
You get a reminder before every service and an emailed service record after. The compliance burden moves from your to-do list to ours.
How Often Does Your Grease Trap Need to Be Cleaned?
Calgary Bylaw 14M2012 requires cleaning before your trap exceeds 25% FOG capacity. For most commercial kitchens that means monthly service, but actual frequency depends on the type and volume of cooking. The table below shows typical ranges — GDM Vac will assess your specific trap and recommend the right interval after your first service.
| Kitchen Type | Typical Cleaning Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full-service restaurant, high volume | Every 2–4 weeks | Deep fryer and grill operations fill traps faster |
| Casual dining / café | Monthly | Typical for most Calgary restaurant operators |
| Fast food / QSR | Every 2–3 weeks | High fryer usage accelerates grease accumulation |
| Hotel / banquet kitchen | Monthly or biweekly | Varies significantly by event schedule |
| School / institutional cafeteria | Monthly during academic year | Reduced schedule during summer break |
| Food processing facility | Weekly to biweekly | Industrial volume; large interceptors required |
How GDM Vac's Maintenance Program Works
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Initial assessment
We inspect your trap, measure its current FOG level, identify any access or condition issues, and recommend a cleaning frequency based on your kitchen's grease load.
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Schedule set up
We build a recurring service schedule at the right interval for your kitchen. You confirm it and we put it on the calendar. No further action required on your end.
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Service reminder sent in advance
You receive a reminder before each visit so your team knows to provide access. We coordinate with your kitchen schedule to minimize disruption.
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Complete pump-out and documentation
Each visit includes a 100% pump-out, interior scrub, FOG measurement, before and after photos, and a disposal manifest. Documentation emailed same day.
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Frequency reviewed each visit
If your grease load changes — busier season, menu change, new equipment — we adjust the schedule. Maintenance frequency should reflect actual usage, not a fixed interval.
Already past due for service?
We can often fit in a catch-up clean within a few days and then set up your ongoing maintenance schedule. Call us to check availability.
What Every Maintenance Visit Includes
- 100% pump-out of grease trap contents
- Interior scrub and rinse
- FOG percentage measured before and after
- Before and after photos emailed same day
- Disposal manifest for City compliance
- Two-year service record maintained
- Next service date confirmed before we leave
- Frequency adjustment if load has changed
- Licensed liquid waste hauler documentation
- 24/7 emergency response between visits
What Calgary Operators Say About GDM Vac
"For over 5 years now GDM Vac has been our go-to provider for grease trap cleaning. Efficient and reliable, they keep our kitchen running smoothly! Would recommend them for anyone looking for prompt and affordable services."
"I am impressed with GDM Vac! From their punctuality to their meticulous after-work clean-up, every aspect of their service exceeded our expectations. Keep up the excellent work!"
"GDM Vac have been an integral part of our maintenance program for years. Their reliability and professionalism make grease trap compliance completely effortless for our team."
Set Up a Grease Trap Maintenance Schedule
Tell us about your kitchen and we'll recommend the right cleaning frequency and get you set up. Most accounts are active within one business day.