About Grease Trap Guru
The most comprehensive database of FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in the United States.
Our Mission
Grease Trap Guru exists to help restaurant owners, food service operators, and plumbing professionals navigate the complex landscape of Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) compliance regulations across the United States. Every city has different rules for grease trap sizing, pumping frequency, permits, and fines — and finding this information is often frustratingly difficult.
We aggregate, verify, and present this data in a clear, searchable format so you can quickly find exactly what your establishment needs to stay compliant and avoid costly violations.
What We Cover
For each city in our database, we track:
- Pumping frequency — how often grease traps must be serviced
- 25% rule — whether traps must be pumped when grease reaches 25% capacity
- Permit requirements — whether a FOG permit is needed and associated fees
- Maximum fines — penalties for non-compliance
- Minimum trap sizes — local sizing requirements beyond standard plumbing code
- Inspection frequency — how often authorities inspect grease traps
- Record keeping — documentation requirements for pumping logs and manifests
- Ordinance references — specific local code sections for verification
- Contact information — direct phone numbers and emails for local enforcement agencies
Our Data Sources & Methodology
Our regulation data is compiled through systematic research of municipal ordinances, FOG control programs, and pretreatment requirements published by local wastewater authorities. For each city, we review:
- Municipal code and ordinance databases
- Published FOG control program documents from wastewater utilities
- State plumbing code adoptions (IPC or UPC) and local amendments
- Pretreatment program requirements from publicly owned treatment works (POTWs)
Restaurant and food service establishment counts are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns (CBP) dataset using NAICS code 722 (Food Services and Drinking Places). This data reflects the most recent available census figures.
Sizing Calculator
Our free grease trap sizing calculator uses industry-standard formulas from both the International Plumbing Code (IPC Section 1003.3.4) and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC Section 1014) to recommend the appropriate grease interceptor size based on your establishment's seating capacity, meal volume, and equipment.
Important Disclaimer
The information on Grease Trap Guru is provided for general informational purposes only. Regulations change frequently, and local authorities may have adopted amendments or new requirements not yet reflected in our database. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Grease Trap Guru is not a substitute for professional legal or engineering advice.
Contact
Found an error in our data? Have a suggestion? We want to hear from you. Reach us at info@greasetrapguru.com.