Your Food Is Meant To Be Oily. Your Drains Aren't.
Grease Trap Installation
PERTH’S LEADING GREASE TRAP INSTALLATION SPECIALISTS
The Plumbing & Electrical Co is one of Perth's most experienced grease trap installation companies, completing grease trap projects across Western Australia for cafes, restaurants, breweries, commercial kitchens, food preparation facilities, and hospitality venues.
We install a new grease trap every few weeks, making grease traps one of our specialist areas. Most grease trap installations that we undertake, involve retrofitting existing businesses that have an old non-compliant grease trap that requires replacement, expanded operations requiring a larger system.
Under the direction of Water Corporation Trade Waste: When installing a grease trap, and opening a new food business, approval is required before trading.
Having completed more than 50 grease trap installations throughout Perth, we've developed extensive expertise in designing the most practical and cost-effective grease trap solutions for every type of commercial property. Whether you're considering an above-ground grease trap, below-ground grease trap, pump station, lifting station, or complete trade waste system, we can design a solution that meets Water Corporation requirements while keeping installation costs under control.
The Plumbing & Electrical Co. provides complete fit-outs inclusive of plumbing, gas and electrical for any business! All project managed in-house, leaving you with a stress-free process and peace of mind.
See our COMMERCIAL capabilities here.
BOOK A FREE GREASE TRAP ASSESSMENT
We offer free on-site grease trap assessments throughout Perth.
Our team will visit your premises, assess your site conditions, discuss Water Corporation requirements, and provide recommendations on the most practical and cost-effective solution for your business.
BOOKa free visit with us below or give us a call now.
Trusted By Leading Perth Hospitality Businesses
We have completed grease trap installations and trade waste works for a range of well-known hospitality venues, including: Blasta Brewing Company, Guzman y Gomez, Red Rooster, Zambrero, Modus Coffee & many more restaurants, cafes, commercial kitchens, and food production facilities throughout Perth.
PRICING
The cost of supplying and installing a grease trap can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:
The location of the installation
Ease of access and installation difficulty
Distance between the kitchen and the proposed grease trap location
Whether pump stations are required upstream or downstream of the grease trap
Whether the grease trap is installed above ground or below ground
The required grease trap capacity
The type and manufacturer of the grease trap
Whether the installation is located in a traffic-able or pedestrian area
Venting requirements and associated installation challenges
Site-specific plumbing and drainage requirements
Typical Installation Costs
As a general guide:
Small café installations with straightforward access can start from approximately $8,000 including supply and installation.
Most commercial grease trap installations typically range between $10,000 and $15,000.
Complex installations, particularly those requiring excavation, pump stations, extensive pipework, or difficult access, can exceed $20,000.
Grease Trap Supply Costs
Grease trap supply costs vary depending on size and specification:
550–600 litre grease trap(the smallest size generally permitted in Western Australia): approximately $3,500
2,000 litre grease trap(commonly used for larger restaurants and commercial kitchens): approximately $6,500
Larger capacity grease traps are available for high-volume food service operations and are priced accordingly.
Complete Commercial Fit-Out Services
In addition to grease trap installations, The Plumbing Co. provides complete commercial plumbing, gas, and electrical services for:
Commercial kitchens
Cafés and restaurants
Bars and hospitality venues
Commercial bathrooms and amenities
Shop and tenancy fit-outs
Food preparation facilities
Please note that the grease trap pricing outlined above covers the grease trap installation only and does not include commercial kitchen plumbing, gas fitting, electrical works, fixtures, appliances, or bathroom fit-outs.
If you're planning a new venue, renovation, or commercial fit-out, our team can provide a comprehensive site assessment and quotation for the entire project, ensuring all plumbing, gas, electrical, drainage, and grease management requirements are considered from the outset.
Request a Site Assessment
Because every commercial kitchen and site is different, we recommend a site inspection before providing a fixed quotation. This allows us to assess the most suitable grease trap size, installation method, and any site-specific requirements to provide an accurate price.
Grease Trap Supply & Installation
Typical Installation Costs
As a general guide:
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With straightforward access, pricing may start from approximately $8,000 including supply and installation.
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Typically range between $10,000 and $15,000.
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Particularly those requiring excavation, pump stations, extensive pipework, or difficult access, can exceed $20,000.
Let's Talk Grease Traps: Everything You Need to Know
Welcome to Grease Trap School:
What Is a Grease Trap?
A grease trap is the unsung hero of every commercial kitchen. Its job is simple: catch fats, oils, and grease before they clog up your drains and Perth's sewer system.
As greasy wastewater flows through the tank, the fats and oils float to the top while cleaner water flows out to the sewer. Think of it as a bouncer for your plumbing — the grease gets stopped at the door.
Without a grease trap, all that bacon fat, cooking oil, and food waste eventually builds up inside pipes, causing blockages, bad smells, expensive repairs, and unhappy regulators.
That's why Water Corporation requires most cafes, restaurants, breweries, and food businesses to have one.
How Does A Grease Trap Work?
A grease trap separates fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it enters the sewer system. Inside the grease trap is a partition known as a baffle wall.
As wastewater enters the tank:
Fats, oils, and grease float to the surface because they are lighter than water.
The baffle slows the flow of water through the tank.
Grease accumulates on the surface.
Cleaner water passes underneath the baffle.
The treated water exits the grease trap and enters the sewer system.
This simple process prevents grease from entering Water Corporation infrastructure and causing costly sewer blockages.
WHAT IS THE BEST MATERIAL FOR A GREASE TRAP?
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HDPE is widely regarded as one of the best materials available for grease trap construction.
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Lightweight and easy to transport.
Extremely durable.
Corrosion resistant.
Excellent chemical resistance.
Smooth internal surfaces.
Fat and grease are less likely to adhere to the walls.
Long service life.
For most commercial applications, HDPE grease traps offer the best balance between durability, performance, and installation practicality.
Above-Ground vs Below-Ground Grease Traps
One of the most common questions we receive is whether an above-ground or below-ground grease trap is the better option. The answer depends entirely on your site layout, available space, drainage configuration, budget, and long-term plans.
ABOVE-GROUND GREASE TRAPS
Above-ground grease traps are an excellent option where space permits.
If your business leases a premises and may relocate in the future, an above-ground grease trap can often be removed, cleaned, transported, and reinstalled at a new location.
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Lower installation costs in many situations, easier access for servicing and maintenance.
Can be disconnected and relocated if you move premises.
Faster installation compared to many underground systems.
Easier to inspect and repair.
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Drainage falls are extremely important. Grease traps ideally operate using gravity. Depending on the site layout, pumps may be required to transfer wastewater from sinks and fixtures into the grease trap if sufficient fall cannot be achieved naturally.
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BOOK a free onsite visit with us if you are unsure of anything!
BELOW-GROUND GREASE TRAPS
Where space is limited, below-ground grease traps are often the preferred solution.
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Saves valuable floor and storage space
Hidden from public view.
Can be installed in driveways and trafficable areas.
Long-term permanent solution.
Improved aesthetics.
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Existing underground services such as water pipes, sewer lines, stormwater drains, electrical cables, gas lines and communications services may require relocation or protection during installation. Although installation costs can sometimes be higher, below-ground grease traps are often the preferred long-term solution for established businesses.
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BOOK a free onsite visit with us if you are unsure of anything!
CHOOSING THE BEST GREASE TRAP LOCATION:
Selecting the correct location is critical for both installation and ongoing maintenance.
LOCATIONS
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Vacuum trucks can typically pump grease traps from approximately 60 metres away.
This means most sites can be serviced successfully, however access should always be considered during design.
Large suction hoses must be run from the truck to the grease trap location during servicing. Shorter hose runs generally improve cleanliness and efficiency.
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BOOK a free onsite visit with us if you are unsure of anything!
CAN A GREASE TRAP BE INSTALLED IN THE KITCHEN?
For hygiene and operational reasons, external locations are strongly preferred.
In almost all cases, approvals for grease traps located inside commercial kitchens are extremely difficult to obtain.
Grease traps naturally contain decomposing food waste and grease, making them…
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Cockroaches
Bacteria
Odours
Other pests
Can A Grease Trap Be Installed At The Front Of The Shop?
Generally, this is not recommended.
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Trip hazards
Slippery surfaces
Odour concerns
Reduced aesthetics
Customer exposure during pump-outs
Recommended Locations
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Bin storage areas.
Rear service yards.
Rear laneways.
Side access areas.
Dedicated service compounds.
Do Grease Traps Smell?
When properly installed and maintained, grease traps should produce very little noticeable odour. Australian regulations require grease traps to be fitted with sealed lids and correctly vented.
However, odours can occur if: Lids are not cleaned properly, seals become damaged, venting is inadequate, pumping schedules are neglected. The strongest odours typically occur during scheduled pump-outs.
YOU OUGHTA KNOW…
WHY YOU NEED A GREASE TRAP
Most cafes, restaurants, commercial kitchens, food preparation businesses, bakeries, and hospitality venues are required by Water Corporation to install a grease trap. The primary purpose is to prevent fats, oils, and grease from entering Perth's sewer network.
Without grease traps, fats solidify inside sewer pipes.
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Sewer blockages.
Property damage.
Environmental issues.
Expensive infrastructure repairs.
Grease traps play a critical role in protecting Perth's wastewater system.
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Book in your on site visit!
ARE UNDER-BENCH GREASE TRAPS ALLOWED IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA?
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NO!
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Small under-bench grease arrestors are generally not approved by Water Corporation Trade Waste in Western Australia. While these systems are commonly used in some eastern states, they are typically not accepted for commercial trade waste applications in WA.
WHO REGULATES GREASE TRAPS IN PERTH?
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Water Corporation Trade Waste is the governing authority responsible for grease trap approvals throughout Perth and Western Australia.
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All grease trap installations must comply with applicable Trade Waste requirements and approval processes.
What Happens To The Collected Grease?
The accumulated fats, oils, and grease must be removed periodically by a licensed grease trap pumping contractor. A vacuum tanker pumps out the contents of the grease trap and disposes of the waste at approved processing facilities. Regular pumping is essential to ensure the grease trap continues operating effectively and remains compliant.
PUMP IT!
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Pump stations can provide excellent solutions where natural gravity drainage is not achievable.
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Whenever possible, gravity-fed systems are preferred. A gravity system contains fewer mechanical components and generally offers lower long-term maintenance costs. Pumps are mechanical devices and, like all mechanical equipment, will eventually require servicing or replacement.
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All grease trap pump systems should be inspected, cleaned, and serviced every 6–12 months. Fats, oils, and grease can accumulate within pumps and pipework, reducing efficiency and increasing failure risk. We provide complete grease trap pump maintenance and servicing throughout Perth.
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Most commercial grease trap pumps operate using a standard 240V electrical supply. Additional electrical works may occasionally be required depending on site conditions.
Downstream Pumps
Downstream pumps are typically larger systems installed after the grease trap. These are commonly located underground beside the grease trap or within dedicated pump pits.
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Airtight sealed lids.
Submersible pump systems.
Trafficable options available.
Can pump wastewater over significant distances.
Depending on design requirements, downstream systems can pump 200–300 metres or more.
Typical pump pits are approximately:
500 litres capacity
700mm x 700mm
1000mm deep
Upstream Pumps
Upstream pumps are commonly installed beneath kitchen sinks or nearby service areas. They transfer greasy wastewater to a grease trap located elsewhere on the property.
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Avoids extensive floor cutting.
Reduces installation costs.
Faster installation.
Can pump up to approximately 100 metres depending on system design.
These systems are particularly popular in smaller cafes and tenancy fit-outs.
How Often Does A Grease Trap Need Pumping?
The required pumping frequency is generally determined by Water Corporation Trade Waste.
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Size of the grease trap.
Number of customers served.
Type of food being prepared.
Volume of wastewater generated.
Overall scale of the business.
Most businesses operate under a scheduled maintenance program established through their Trade Waste approval conditions.
How Is Grease Trap Size Determined?
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Water Corporation may assess:
Type of business.
Menu and food preparation methods.
Expected wastewater generation.
Seating capacity.
Trade waste output.
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This is the most common sizing method.
Each fixture within the premises is allocated a fixture unit rating.
Examples include:
Pot sinks
Wash-up sinks
Floor wastes
Dishwashers
Hand basins
Preparation sinks
The total fixture unit count determines the required grease trap size.
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In some situations, restaurant seating capacity may also be considered when determining grease trap sizing requirements. The larger the venue and customer volume, the larger the grease trap typically required.
Need A Grease Trap Installed In Perth?
Whether you're opening a new cafe, upgrading an existing restaurant, replacing a non-compliant grease trap, or responding to a Water Corporation requirement, our team can help.
We provide:
✔ Grease Trap Design
✔ Water Corporation Trade Waste Assistance
✔ Above-Ground Grease Traps
✔ Below-Ground Grease Traps
✔ Pump Stations & Lifting Stations
✔ Grease Trap Replacements
✔ Commercial Plumbing Works
✔ Grease Trap Servicing & Maintenance
Contact The Plumbing & Electrical Co today for a free on-site grease trap assessment anywhere in Perth.