Houston Grease Trap Rules: Stay Compliant and Avoid Fines

If you run a restaurant in Houston, your grease trap isn’t just a behind-the-scenes necessity — it’s a legal requirement. The City of Houston enforces strict FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) regulations to protect its sewer system and environment. Failing to comply can lead to clogged drains, foul odors, costly plumbing repairs, or even city fines.

In this guide, we’ll break down Houston grease trap regulations, explain how to choose the right size for your business, and share maintenance tips to help you stay compliant and keep your kitchen running smoothly.

Understanding Houston’s FOG Regulations

Every commercial kitchen in Houston must have a properly sized and maintained grease trap to capture fats, oils, and grease before they reach city sewer lines. According to the City of Houston FOG Control Program, businesses that prepare or serve food are required to:

• Install a grease trap or interceptor approved by the Public Works Department.
• Maintain it according to local standards.
• Keep cleaning and disposal records for inspection.

Violating these rules can result in penalties or even suspension of your wastewater service. The city can also require additional cleanings if your trap fails inspection — so staying ahead of maintenance isn’t just smart, it’s mandatory.

Choosing the Right Grease Trap Size

Not all grease traps are created equal. The size you need depends on your kitchen’s wastewater volume, the number of sinks and appliances, and the type of food you serve.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types:

• Small under-sink traps (10–50 gallons): Found in cafés or small prep areas. These fill up quickly and need more frequent cleaning.
• Medium interceptors (100–500 gallons): Common in mid-sized restaurants and food trucks.
• Large in-ground interceptors (750+ gallons): Used by full-service restaurants or high-volume kitchens. These can handle heavy loads but require professional pumping.

Choosing the correct size ensures your trap works efficiently and meets Houston’s FOG regulations. An undersized trap can overflow or clog easily, while an oversized one might not flow properly — both can result in violations. If you aren't sure what size you need, check out this Grease Interceptor Sizing Tool from Big Dipper. 

Maintenance and Pumping Frequency

Even the best-sized trap won’t do much good without regular maintenance. Most Houston restaurants need to clean or pump their grease traps every 30 to 90 days, depending on usage. The city follows the “25% rule” — when 25% of your trap’s volume is filled with grease, it’s time to service it.

Warning signs it’s time for maintenance include:

• Slow-draining sinks or dishwashers
• Strong, foul odors near the kitchen or floor drains
• Overflow or visible grease buildup
• Backups in the plumbing lines

Professional pumping ensures complete removal of waste and proper disposal in compliance with city regulations. It also keeps your business records in order in case of inspection.

Stay Compliant and Protect Your Business

Regular grease trap maintenance does more than keep you compliant — it protects your plumbing, reputation, and bottom line. Neglecting service can lead to costly backups, shutdowns, or fines from the City of Houston.

With Pilot Plumbing, you get more than a cleaning. Our team understands Houston’s FOG regulations and helps ensure your restaurant stays efficient, compliant, and ready for service.

Contact us today to schedule a grease trap inspection or cleaning and keep your kitchen running smoothly.