Grease Duct & Plenum Cleaning
NFPA 96–compliant grease duct and plenum cleaning designed to reduce fire risk, support AHJ inspections, and maintain code-compliant commercial kitchen ventilation systems.
What This Service Covers
- Horizontal and vertical grease duct cleaning
- Plenum interior surface degreasing
- Mechanical scraping of accumulated grease deposits
- Hot chemical washing for thorough grease removal
- Access panel cleaning and condition assessment
- Documentation of accessible and inaccessible duct sections
Service scope depends on access panel availability and duct configuration. Inaccessible sections are documented with recommendations for access panel installation where required.
Service Process
A systematic approach to professional grease duct cleaning, from access point identification through final documentation.
Access Point Identification & Assessment
Our technicians identify all access panels throughout the duct system, including horizontal runs, vertical risers, and plenum connections. Each access point is evaluated for serviceability, and any missing or inadequate access is documented for the AHJ record.
Mechanical Scraping of Grease Deposits
Accumulated grease is physically removed from duct interior surfaces using mechanical scraping tools. This process addresses hardened grease deposits that chemical cleaning alone cannot remove, significantly reducing combustible material within the duct system.
Hot Chemical Washing
Following mechanical scraping, commercial-grade hot chemical agents are applied to dissolve remaining grease residue. The hot wash penetrates porous deposits and emulsifies grease for complete removal, leaving duct surfaces clean and compliant.
Documentation
- JSR Post-Cleaning Report
- NFPA 96 Inspection Sticker
Upon completion, we provide comprehensive documentation including before/after photographs, a detailed service report, and notation of any inaccessible duct sections. This documentation is formatted for fire marshal, health department, and insurance inspection requirements.
Why Grease Duct Cleaning Is Critical
Fire Risk Mitigation
Grease accumulation within ductwork is a primary cause of commercial kitchen fires. NFPA 96 requires regular duct cleaning specifically because grease deposits provide fuel for fire propagation throughout the exhaust system.
Code Compliance
NFPA 96 mandates cleaning of the entire exhaust system, including all accessible ductwork. Regular documented duct cleaning demonstrates compliance during AHJ inspections and supports insurance requirements.
Fire Marshal Readiness
Fire marshals evaluate grease duct condition during inspections. Documented cleaning with before/after photos and service stickers provides verifiable evidence of maintenance compliance.
System Performance
Clean ducts maintain proper airflow velocity and reduce static pressure losses. This supports exhaust system efficiency and reduces the fire suppression challenges associated with grease-laden ductwork.
NFPA 96 Grease Duct Requirements
Duct Cleaning Under NFPA 96
NFPA 96 requires that the entire exhaust system—including all ductwork from the hood to the exhaust fan termination—be cleaned at intervals determined by cooking type and volume. Grease ducts are explicitly included in the scope of required cleaning.
Access Panel Requirements
NFPA 96 requires access panels at specific intervals to allow cleaning of the entire duct system. Where access is not available, the standard requires documentation and may require installation of additional access points. We document all accessible and inaccessible sections.
Inaccessible Duct Sections
When duct sections cannot be accessed for cleaning, NFPA 96 requires this condition to be reported in writing. We provide clear documentation of any inaccessible areas, including recommendations for access panel installation where feasible.
Documentation for AHJ Review
All service documentation is formatted for review by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), typically the local fire marshal or code enforcement official. This includes service dates, scope of work, condition notes, and before/after photographs.
Who This Service Is For
- Restaurants with commercial cooking equipment
- High-volume commercial kitchens
- Hotels and hospitality facilities
- Hospitals and healthcare institutions
- Universities and educational facilities
- Food production and commissary operations
Service Process
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1
Access Point Survey & System Assessment Identify all access panels, evaluate duct configuration, and document system layout.
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2
Mechanical Scraping of Grease Deposits Remove hardened grease accumulation from accessible duct interior surfaces using scraping tools.
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3
Hot Chemical Washing Apply commercial-grade hot chemical agents to dissolve and remove remaining grease residue.
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4
Plenum and Connection Point Cleaning Degrease plenum interior surfaces and duct connection points where grease accumulation is heaviest.
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5
Documentation and Compliance Reporting Provide complete service documentation with before/after photos, inaccessible section notes, and AHJ-ready reports.
Schedule Professional Grease Duct Cleaning
Work with a certified NJ provider for NFPA 96–compliant grease duct and plenum cleaning.
