San Antonio Grease Trap Compliance Checklist for Food Service

San Antonio Grease Trap Requirements & Local Code

San Antonio requires food service facilities with 24/7+ operations or high-volume cooking to install grease interceptors or traps per the International Plumbing Code (adopted locally). Facilities must have either an on-site grease trap, external interceptor system, or approved automated grease removal system. The City of San Antonio Public Health Department enforces these requirements during routine inspections. Grease trap capacity must be sized appropriately for your facility's peak cooking volume—undersized systems fail inspection and create backup risks. Check with the San Antonio Department of Planning and Community Development to confirm your facility's specific requirements before installation.

Monthly & Quarterly Maintenance Checklist Items

Inspect the grease trap exterior for cracks, leaks, or corrosion weekly—document findings in your maintenance log. Clean the grease trap every 30 days minimum or whenever grease buildup reaches 25% of tank capacity (whichever comes first); some high-volume operations need cleaning every 14 days. Check inlet and outlet baffles for blockages, ensure drain lines flow freely, and verify water seals are intact and water-filled. Service records must be retained for at least one year and presented during health inspections. Use only licensed waste disposal contractors who properly dispose of FOG waste per EPA and TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) standards—never dump grease down the drain or into regular trash.

Common Violations & Inspection Red Flags

San Antonio health inspectors cite facilities with grease buildup exceeding tank capacity, missing or deteriorated baffles, clogged or bypassed systems, and no maintenance records. Improperly maintained grease traps cause backups into kitchen areas, creating cross-contamination and critical violations. Employees pouring hot grease directly down drains, failing to pre-rinse dishes, and using chemical drain cleaners are frequent violations that damage trap integrity. FOG that escapes into municipal sewers causes blockages citywide—San Antonio levies fines for violations ranging from $100–$1,000+ per offense. Keep dated photos of cleaning services, save receipt documentation, and train all kitchen staff on proper grease disposal protocols.

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