What are the grease trap requirements in Philadelphia, PA?

Food service establishments in Philadelphia must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).

Do I need a grease trap permit in Philadelphia?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Philadelphia. Fee: Industrial Waste Pretreatment Permit required; fees vary by discharge volume and type.

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Philadelphia?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. Gravity grease interceptors sized per Philadelphia Plumbing Code; minimum 750 gallons for full-service restaurants; hydromechanical grease interceptors per PDI G101 certification, minimum 20 GPM. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Philadelphia, PA

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Serving 3,903 food service establishments.

Every 90 days minimum or more

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (Pennsylvania adopts IPC statewide; Philadelphia has local amendments)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Every 90 days minimum or more frequently as needed to prevent discharge violations

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Industrial Waste Pretreatment Permit required; fees vary by discharge volume and type

Max Fine $1,000 per violation per day; additional civil penalties up to $25,000 per day for Clean Water Act violations through Philadelphia Water Department enforcement

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Gravity grease interceptors sized per Philadelphia Plumbing Code; minimum 750 gallons for full-service restaurants; hydromechanical grease interceptors per PDI G101 certification, minimum 20 GPM
Pumping Frequency	Every 90 days minimum or more frequently as needed to prevent discharge violations
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Industrial Waste Pretreatment Permit required; fees vary by discharge volume and type
Maximum Fine	$1,000 per violation per day; additional civil penalties up to $25,000 per day for Clean Water Act violations through Philadelphia Water Department enforcement
Inspections	Philadelphia Water Department Pretreatment Program conducts inspections; annual inspections for significant industrial users, periodic for FSEs
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (Pennsylvania adopts IPC statewide; Philadelphia has local amendments)
Ordinance Ref.	Philadelphia Code Title 11 (Streets and Sidewalks, Sewers); Industrial Waste Pretreatment Guidelines; Philadelphia Plumbing Code Chapter 10
Authority	Philadelphia Water Department (PWD)

Additional Notes

Philadelphia's FOG program operates under the Industrial Waste Pretreatment Guidelines published by PWD. The city requires grease interceptors for all establishments preparing food. Philadelphia uses IPC-based plumbing code with local amendments. The city has been proactive in enforcement to protect its combined sewer system and reduce SSOs.

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