Houston vs El Paso
Side-by-side FOG compliance comparison between Houston, TX and El Paso, TX.
| Requirement | Houston, TX | El Paso, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Code | IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide; Houston amends locally) | IPC |
| Min. Trap Size | Minimum 750 gallons for gravity grease interceptors for food service establishments; sizing based on fixture count and flow rate per Houston Plumbing Code; hydromechanical interceptors minimum 20 GPM | 750 gallons (gravity interceptor); smaller point-of-use units sized per fixture count and flow rate |
| Pumping Frequency | Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full | Minimum every 90 days; more frequently if 25% rule is triggered |
| 25% Rule | Yes | Yes |
| Permit Required | Required | Required |
| Permit Fee | Grease trap permit/registration required; fees approximately $100-$250 depending on establishment size | No separate FOG permit fee published; covered under wastewater discharge permit |
| Max Fine | $2,000 per violation per day under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 47; repeat violations up to $4,000/day | $2,000 per violation per day |
| Inspections | Houston Health Department and Public Works conduct inspections; typically annually or upon complaint | At least annually; high-risk facilities inspected more frequently |
| Record Keeping | Yes | Yes |
| Authority | Houston Public Works and Engineering Department; Houston Health Department (grease transporter licensing) | El Paso Water (EPWater) - Wastewater Pretreatment Division |
| Establishments | 10,038 | 1,814 |
Key Differences
Even though both cities are in Texas, their FOG compliance requirements can differ significantly at the municipal level. Here are the most important differences restaurant operators should know:
- Houston follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while El Paso uses the International Plumbing Code (IPC). This affects trap sizing calculations and installation standards.
- Pumping schedules differ: Houston requires "Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full", whereas El Paso requires "Minimum every 90 days".
- Both cities enforce the 25% rule, requiring grease traps to be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of the trap's capacity.
- Fines differ: Houston penalties can reach $2,000 per violation per day under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 47; repeat violations up to $4,000/day, compared to $2,000 per violation per day in El Paso.
What This Means for Restaurant Operators
If you operate food service establishments in both cities, understanding these regulatory differences is critical for compliance. Permit requirements vary, so check with each city's wastewater authority before opening a new location. Different plumbing codes (IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide; Houston amends locally) vs IPC) mean trap sizing calculations may produce different results for the same kitchen setup. Always verify current requirements directly with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do grease trap requirements compare between Houston and El Paso?
Houston follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), while El Paso uses the International Plumbing Code (IPC). This affects trap sizing calculations and installation standards. Pumping schedules differ: Houston requires "Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full", whereas El Paso requires "Minimum every 90 days".
Which city has stricter grease trap enforcement, Houston or El Paso?
Enforcement varies: both cities have similar permit requirements. Houston fines: $2,000 per violation per day under Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 47; repeat violations up to $4,000/day. El Paso fines: $2,000 per violation per day. Always verify with local authorities.
How do pumping schedules differ between Houston and El Paso?
Houston: Every 90 days minimum or when 25% full. El Paso: Minimum every 90 days; more frequently if 25% rule is triggered.
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.
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