Texas Grease Trap Requirements & FOG Regulations
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.
From a local requirement to a service request
- Confirm the address and authority. Find the city record below, open its source and check the conditions applying to your premises.
- Separate installation from maintenance. Use the sizing estimate for planning a device; use the layer-percentage calculator and local schedule guide for servicing questions.
- Prepare a useful enquiry. Include your city, equipment type, dimensions or flow assumptions, last pump-out date and any notice received. Send a service enquiry; an enquiry does not confirm a provider or a quote.
Need a grease trap in Texas?
Our calculator provides a planning estimate. Confirm equipment type and sizing with your local authority.
Size My Grease TrapTexas: start with the wastewater authority
City requirements can differ within Texas. Compare the stored city records above, then confirm the ordinance, servicing interval, device sizing and permit for your address.
Austin’s maintenance guidance currently uses a combined grease-and-solids threshold of 50% of wetted height and a 90-day maximum, whichever requires earlier servicing. Checked 19 October 2026; this is an Austin example, not a statewide rule.
25% versus 50% explained · Sizing assumptions and worked example · All city requirements
Need grease trap cleaning or installation in Texas?
Send your city, ZIP code, service need, and timeline. We will review the request and can help connect you with a relevant grease trap or FOG compliance provider where available.
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.
Local pumping frequency, permit rules, sizing guidance and enforcement notes.
Fort Worth, TXLocal pumping frequency, permit rules, sizing guidance and enforcement notes.
Houston, TXLocal pumping frequency, permit rules, sizing guidance and enforcement notes.
Plano, TXLocal 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: — Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions.