What are the grease trap requirements in Dallas, TX?

Food service establishments in Dallas 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 Dallas?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. Minimum 750 gallons for gravity grease interceptors for FSEs; sizing per Dallas City Code and Texas Plumbing Code based on fixture count; hydromechanical grease interceptors minimum 20 GPM for limited food prep operations. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Dallas, TX

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

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Dallas. Fee: Grease trap permit required through Dallas Water Utilities Pretreatment Program; fees vary.

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Dallas, Texas. Serving 6,049 food service establishments.

Every 90 days minimum

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide; Dallas has local amendments)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Every 90 days minimum; more frequently if grease and solids exceed 25% of trap capacity

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee Grease trap permit required through Dallas Water Utilities Pretreatment Program; fees vary

Max Fine $2,000 per violation per day under Dallas City Code; repeat violations subject to escalating enforcement including potential service disconnection

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Minimum 750 gallons for gravity grease interceptors for FSEs; sizing per Dallas City Code and Texas Plumbing Code based on fixture count; hydromechanical grease interceptors minimum 20 GPM for limited food prep operations
Pumping Frequency	Every 90 days minimum; more frequently if grease and solids exceed 25% of trap capacity
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	Grease trap permit required through Dallas Water Utilities Pretreatment Program; fees vary
Maximum Fine	$2,000 per violation per day under Dallas City Code; repeat violations subject to escalating enforcement including potential service disconnection
Inspections	Dallas Water Utilities Pretreatment Division conducts inspections; annually for permitted FSEs; more frequently for non-compliant facilities
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide; Dallas has local amendments)
Ordinance Ref.	Dallas City Code Chapter 49 (Water and Wastewater); Dallas Water Utilities Pretreatment Ordinance; Grease Interceptors Brochure
Authority	Dallas Water Utilities, Pretreatment Division

Additional Notes

Dallas Water Utilities publishes a Grease Interceptors Brochure with compliance requirements. The city requires all FSEs to install gravity grease interceptors sized per code. Grease haulers must be registered with the city. Manifests required for all grease removal. The Pretreatment Division can issue administrative orders and assess surcharges for FOG-related sewer blockages. Contact: dwupretreatment@dallascityhall.com or (214) 670-6749.

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