Texas Grease Trap Requirements & FOG Regulations

IPC

Plumbing Code

60,229

Establishments

Cities Covered

Regulatory AuthorityTexas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)

Base CodeInternational Plumbing Code (IPC)

FOG Compliance Overview

Texas follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as its base plumbing code. The IPC requires grease interceptors for food service establishments and references sizing based on fixture unit counts and flow rates. The state's regulatory authority is the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

With approximately 60,229 food service establishments statewide,Texas has significant FOG compliance needs. Individual cities and municipalities may adopt additional local ordinances that go beyond the state plumbing code, including stricter pumping schedules, permit requirements, and enforcement penalties. Of the 28 cities we cover, 27 require a dedicated FOG permit. 25 cities enforce the 25% rule for grease trap pumping.

Need a grease trap in Texas?

Our free calculator uses IPC code requirements to recommend the right size for your establishment.

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Need grease trap cleaning or installation in Texas?

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City Regulations in Texas

High-demand city guides in Texas

These city pages are highlighted because Search Console is already showing them for local grease trap requirement searches.

Dallas, TX

Local pumping frequency, permit rules, sizing guidance and enforcement notes.

Fort Worth, TX

Local pumping frequency, permit rules, sizing guidance and enforcement notes.

Houston, TX

Local pumping frequency, permit rules, sizing guidance and enforcement notes.

Plano, TX

Local pumping frequency, permit rules, sizing guidance and enforcement notes.

City	Pumping Frequency	Permit	25% Rule
Allen	See details	Required	Yes
Amarillo	Every 90 days	Required	Yes
Arlington	Per TCEQ model standards; minimum every 90 days or per ...	Required	Yes
Austin	Every 90 days minimum; more frequently if grease and so...	Required	Yes
Brownsville	As needed to maintain efficiency and prevent visible gr...	Required	Yes
Corpus Christi	Every 60 days standard; increased to every 30 days afte...	Required	Yes
Dallas	Every 90 days minimum; more frequently if grease and so...	Required	Yes
Denton	Every 90 days minimum; or when grease/solids reach 25% ...	Required	Yes
El Paso	Minimum every 90 days; more frequently if 25% rule is t...	Required	Yes
Fort Worth	At minimum every 90 days; must be pumped when FOG and s...	Required	Yes
Frisco	annual	Required	Yes
Garland	Minimum every 90 days per TCEQ model standards	Required	Yes
Grand Prairie	Minimum every 90 days per TCEQ model standards	Required	Yes
Houston	Verify the current service interval with the City of Ho...	Required	—
Irving	Minimum every 90 days per TCEQ model standards	Required	Yes
Killeen	Every 90 days (vacuum truck cleaning required)	Required	Yes
Laredo	Minimum every 90 days per TCEQ model standards	Required	Yes
Lubbock	Minimum every 90 days	Required	Yes
McAllen	Per McAllen Public Utility Pretreatment/Grease Trap Fac...	Required	Yes
McKinney	Minimum every 90 days per TCEQ model standards	Required	Yes
Mesquite	Minimum twice annually (semi-annual)	Required	Yes
Midland	Per TCEQ model standards; when FOG exceeds 25% capacity...	Required	Yes
Plano	Every 90 days minimum or when 25% capacity reached, whi...	Required	Yes
Round Rock	Every 180 days (semi-annually)	Required	—
San Antonio	Every 90 days minimum; SAWS Grease Trap Procedure Manua...	Required	Yes
San Marcos	Every 90 days (quarterly)	—	—
Sherman	Per FOGS program requirements; typically every 90 days	Required	Yes
Waco	Per 25% rule; typically every 1-3 months	Required	Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What plumbing code does Texas follow for grease traps?

Texas follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC). The IPC requires grease interceptors for food service establishments and sizes them based on fixture unit counts and flow rates. Individual cities may adopt stricter local ordinances.

How many food service establishments are in Texas?

Texas has approximately 60,229 food service establishments according to Census Bureau County Business Patterns data. We currently cover detailed FOG regulations for 28 cities in the state.

Do I need a grease trap permit in Texas?

Permit requirements vary by city. Of the 28 cities we cover in Texas, 27 require a dedicated FOG permit. Check your specific city's requirements below or contact your local wastewater authority.

What size grease trap do I need in Texas?

Grease trap sizing in Texas depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements under the IPC. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation tailored to your setup.

Last verified: April 2026 — Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions.