Phoenix Grease Trap Maintenance & Compliance Checklist

Phoenix Grease Trap Requirements & Local Standards

Phoenix requires all food service facilities—including restaurants, catering operations, and commercial kitchens—to install properly sized grease traps or interceptors based on flow rate calculations. The City of Phoenix Building and Fire Code, which adopts the International Plumbing Code (IPC), mandates that grease interceptors serve sinks, dishwashers, and cooking equipment producing grease-laden wastewater. Sizing must be calculated by a licensed plumber and documented; undersized traps are a common violation. Grease traps must be accessible for inspection and cleaning, with clear access covers and adequate working space around the unit. All new installations require permits from the City of Phoenix and must pass inspection before operation.

Routine Inspection Checklist & Maintenance Items

Establish a weekly visual inspection: check for odors, visible overflow, or surface grease accumulation. Document pump-out schedules—Phoenix typically requires grease trap pumping every 30 to 90 days depending on volume and usage patterns; a licensed waste hauler must handle this and provide receipts. Inspect baffles for cracks or separation, verify that the trap is not backing up into drains, and confirm that all drain lines are properly connected and pitched. Maintain a logbook of all maintenance visits, including dates, work performed, and waste disposal manifests. Test the trap quarterly to ensure proper flow and separation performance. Kitchen staff should never pour fryer grease directly into drains; install drain screens and strainers to catch solids before they enter the system.

Common Violations & How to Avoid Them

Phoenix inspectors frequently cite inadequate grease trap capacity, missing or non-functional baffles, and lack of maintenance records. Overflowing traps that back up into dining or prep areas trigger immediate violations and can result in operational closure. Failure to pump traps on schedule causes solids to pass through into the city sewer system, incurring costly fines from the Phoenix Water Services Department. Installing unauthorized drains that bypass the grease trap (such as floor drains connected directly to sewer lines) is a serious code violation. Document all maintenance in writing with vendor receipts; Phoenix inspectors expect to see compliance records dating back at least one year during routine inspections.

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