Home / Blog / Maintenance

Maintenance

Why Is Grease Dripping From My Kitchen Canopy?

Dripping grease is one of the clearest signs a canopy needs attention. Here are the usual causes, what staff can safely check, and when to book a professional clean.

By Apex Commercial Exhaust · 6 November 2026 · 4 min read

Key takeaways

Common causes are full or blocked grease gutters, soiled or badly fitted filters, and heavy build-up in the plenum.
Condensation mixing with grease can also run down canopy surfaces.
Staff can safely check filters, gutters and drip trays; leave the plenum and ducts to professionals.
Dripping grease above food areas is a hygiene issue as well as a maintenance one.
If dripping continues after filters and gutters are cleaned, book an inspection and clean.

Grease dripping from a canopy onto equipment or food areas is a problem that should be dealt with quickly. In most cases the cause is simple build-up that has nowhere left to go.

Common causes of a dripping canopy

Full or blocked grease gutters

Gutters and channels collect drained grease; when they overflow, grease runs down.

Soiled or saturated filters

Filters that are past cleaning can drip grease from their edges.

Badly fitted filters

Gaps or wrong-sized filters let grease bypass and run down surfaces.

Heavy plenum build-up

Grease behind the filters can collect and drip back into the canopy.

What staff can check safely

Why it matters for hygiene

Food premises are expected to be kept clean, and fixtures and equipment must be able to be easily and effectively cleaned (Standard 3.2.3; FSANZ guide). Grease dripping above food preparation areas is the kind of thing an inspector may notice.

When to call a professional

If dripping continues after filters and gutters are cleaned, grease has probably built up in the plenum or further into the system. Book a canopy and plenum clean, and ask for the ducts and fan to be checked too. Within the agreed scope, Apex cleans all accessible and reachable areas of the system and records what was found.

If there is an immediate safety concern, such as grease dripping onto hot equipment, address it before continuing to cook.

Frequently asked questions

Is grease dripping from a canopy dangerous?

Grease dripping onto hot equipment or food areas is a hygiene and safety concern. Address it promptly and arrange an assessment.

Can I fix a dripping canopy myself?

Staff can clean filters, gutters and drip trays. If dripping continues, the plenum and ducts need professional cleaning.

Could the drips be water, not grease?

Steam can condense on canopy surfaces and mix with grease. Either way, it points to surfaces and filters that need attention.

References & further reading

Government, regulator and Standards sources mentioned in this guide (links checked November 2026; requirements can change, so check the current version):

Food Standards Australia New Zealand, via the Federal Register of Legislation, Standard 3.2.3 Food Premises and Equipment (Australia only)
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), Safe Food Australia: A guide to the Food Safety Standards

Need help with your kitchen exhaust? Apex Commercial Exhaust cleans canopies, exhaust ducts, rooftop fans and grease filters for commercial kitchens across Melbourne and Victoria.

This article is general information only and is not legal, insurance or compliance advice. Requirements for your kitchen depend on your system, building and obligations.

Get a Free Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Quote in Melbourne

Helping keep your kitchen exhaust system cleaner, better maintained and ready for your next busy service.