What are the grease trap requirements in San Antonio, TX?

Food service establishments in San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in San Antonio. Fee: FOG permit/registration through SAWS; fees approximately $75-$200 annually.

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

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 SAWS requirements and Texas Plumbing Code; smaller hydromechanical interceptors (20-50 GPM) allowed for limited food prep. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
San Antonio, TX

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in San Antonio, Texas. Serving 4,282 food service establishments.

Every 90 days minimum

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide)

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Every 90 days minimum; SAWS Grease Trap Procedure Manual specifies cleaning must occur before grease and solids exceed 25% of trap capacity

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee FOG permit/registration through SAWS; fees approximately $75-$200 annually

Max Fine $2,000 per violation per day under City of San Antonio ordinance; SAWS can also assess surcharges for non-compliance

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	Minimum 750 gallons for gravity grease interceptors for FSEs; sizing per SAWS requirements and Texas Plumbing Code; smaller hydromechanical interceptors (20-50 GPM) allowed for limited food prep
Pumping Frequency	Every 90 days minimum; SAWS Grease Trap Procedure Manual specifies cleaning must occur before 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	FOG permit/registration through SAWS; fees approximately $75-$200 annually
Maximum Fine	$2,000 per violation per day under City of San Antonio ordinance; SAWS can also assess surcharges for non-compliance
Inspections	SAWS conducts routine inspections; typically annually for FSEs; increased frequency for repeat violators
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	IPC (Texas adopts IPC statewide)
Ordinance Ref.	San Antonio Code of Ordinances Chapter 34 (Sewage and Sewage Disposal); SAWS Grease Trap Procedure Manual; SAWS Sewer Use Ordinance
Authority	San Antonio Water System (SAWS)

Additional Notes

SAWS publishes a detailed Grease Trap Procedure Manual including cleaning logs and compliance documentation templates. Grease haulers must be SAWS-approved. SAWS requires manifests for all grease trap waste removal. The city has an active FOG outreach program targeting restaurant owners and food truck operators.

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