What are the grease trap requirements in Nashville, TN?

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

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

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. 1,000 gallons minimum for exterior grease interceptors; interior hydromechanical traps per plumbing code fixture sizing. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Nashville, TN

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Nashville?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Nashville. Fee: FOG permit/registration required; fee schedule set by Metro Water Services (typically nominal or included in sewer service).

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Nashville, Tennessee. Serving 2,262 food service establishments.

At minimum every 90 days

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (Tennessee adopted IPC as base plumbing code)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency At minimum every 90 days; Metro Water Services may require more frequent pumping for high-volume establishments

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee FOG permit/registration required; fee schedule set by Metro Water Services (typically nominal or included in sewer service)

Max Fine $10,000 per day per violation under Metro Nashville Code; $50,000 maximum per violation under Tennessee Water Quality Control Act

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	1,000 gallons minimum for exterior grease interceptors; interior hydromechanical traps per plumbing code fixture sizing
Pumping Frequency	At minimum every 90 days; Metro Water Services may require more frequent pumping for high-volume establishments
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	FOG permit/registration required; fee schedule set by Metro Water Services (typically nominal or included in sewer service)
Maximum Fine	$10,000 per day per violation under Metro Nashville Code; $50,000 maximum per violation under Tennessee Water Quality Control Act
Inspections	Annually; Metro Water Services inspects on routine and complaint-driven basis
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (Tennessee adopted IPC as base plumbing code)
Ordinance Ref.	Metropolitan Nashville Code Chapter 15.32 - Sewer Use Ordinance; Metro Water Services FOG Control Program; also TN Rule 0400-40-14 Pretreatment
Authority	Metro Water Services (MWS), Industrial Pretreatment / FOG Program

Additional Notes

Nashville's Metro Water Services administers the FOG program for Davidson County. All FSEs must have approved grease interceptors. The city requires a FOG Management Plan from each facility. Nashville mandates licensed haulers and proper manifest documentation. Records must be retained for a minimum of 3 years. Kitchen BMPs and employee training are required.

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